The popular holiday song aptly sums it up: It’s the most beautiful time of year. Kids jingle belling. Marshmallows toasting. Much mistletoe-ing. There is plenty of cheer. For some seniors, however, the most joyous season can also be stressful. The holiday season can be stressful because of the many traditions and memories of a loved one who has passed away. Caregivers have the responsibility to lift seniors’ spirits, help them recall the good times, and create new, joyful memories that can be relived over the years even if they’re living in an assisted living facility.
Senior living communities all across the country are celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah in the same spirit as families around the globe. Our residents are encouraged to participate in holiday activities between now and New Year. Spending time with loved ones, friends, and neighbors is the true reason for the season. It can help you overcome the stress and confusion caused by holidays.
These tips offer caregivers some suggestions on how to deal with the holidays with a senior loved one in an assisted living community.
Decor
To get residents into the holiday spirit, all Senior Living communities have festive decorations. Encourage seniors to decorate their own living spaces. This is a great way to keep them smiling this holiday season. You can help seniors find family heirlooms and ornaments they treasure that they can display on their own glistening tree. Grandkids can help seniors make their homes more special and warm by helping to organize the project.
Baking/Holiday Foods
Our skilled chefs work hard to create the perfect menus for our seniors living in Independent Living, Assisted Living in Myrtle Beach, and Memory Care communities across the country. Even if seniors won’t be sharing a holiday meal, they will feel included when their caregivers help them with tasks like peeling and folding napkins, setting tables, or baking cookies. They can then share the work with their neighbors.
Stroll down Memory Lane
Seniors can talk about their loved ones and other memories to lift their spirits, and help them feel young again. Seniors use photo albums, family videos, and music to stimulate their memories and encourage them to pass on their experiences to the next generation.
Holiday cards
Your senior can help you write holiday cards. Keep in touch with your lifelong friends. If possible, you should be available to help your senior write holiday cards.
Medications
Maintain a schedule for your senior’s medication during the holidays. Many communities offer medication reminders and administration services to help residents at any time of the year.
Outings
Residents are given special holiday activities and additional shopping trips to encourage them. This creates a stimulating environment for their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. We recommend that seniors who take advantage of the sunshine, regardless of whether it is cold outside or inside, are less likely to develop the seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or winter depression.
Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now if you need to find the best facility for your senior loved one.
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Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/