How To Make The Holidays Festive For A Loved One Living In An Assisted Living Facility
The holiday season can be emotionally challenging for someone who is living in an assisted living facility. They may no longer be able to do the things that many people associate with the holidays, such as decorating, shopping or baking. However, there are steps you can take to make the holidays as bright as possible for a loved one in an assisted living facility. Here are a few of the ways to make it happen.
Bring the Holidays to Your Loved One
Your loved one may be unable to do some of the things that they use to do, such as trimming a Christmas tree. But that does not mean that you cannot bring the holidays to your loved one. Consider hanging decorations in your loved one's room or a common area for all guests to enjoy. If their dietary restrictions allow, bake some of their favorite treats, or talk with staff to see if they can host a Christmas event for the entire facility, such as singing together or watching a Christmas movie.
Incorporate Them Into Holiday Activities
Another way to make the holidays more festive for a loved one in an assisted living facility is to try to incorporate them into holiday activities. Maybe they can leave for the day to have a holiday meal with your family, or maybe your family can bring the meal to them. Bring your loved one to your child's holiday play at school, or maybe you can all drive around town looking at holiday lights together. Spending time with family and being able to live a normal life for a few hours can be priceless to someone in an assisted living facility.
Give Them a Thoughtful Gift
Finally, be sure to include your loved one on your holiday shopping list. Take the time to really think about the items they use in their day-to-day lives at the facility. Items such as a nice pair of slippers, comfortable lounge clothes, robes, and soft blankets are all thoughtful gifts that your loved one can use day after day in their care facility.
The holiday season can be hectic, but it is important to make time to visit with and spend plenty of time with your loved one who is living in an assisted living facility. Taking the time to bring the holidays to them, incorporate them into holiday activities, and bringing a thoughtful gift can make their world brighter and more festive this holiday season.