What to do when your senior loved one is living in an assisted living facility? Holidays in assisted living communities are still fun and festive even if that means creating brand-new traditions.
If you can bring the holiday spirit to older adults living in assisted living in Myrtle Beach, they will feel included and loved. It’s important to spend quality time with those you love.
Answers to questions to help you celebrate with loved ones in an assisted living facility
- Is it a good idea to bring an older adult with you home for a family event?
- What can you do if an older adult doesn’t know what holidays are?
- What holiday activities are good for assisted living?
1. Do I need to bring my mom home for the celebrations?
Talk to her before you make a decision.
You may worry that she will become too tired or require help with personal care. Be sure to calmly explain how you can meet her needs.
Remind her that her family is excited to see her, and even if she feels shy or afraid she will not be a burden at a party.
It may be difficult for your mom to leave her home if she has Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other cognitive impairments. You may find it easier to decide what is best for your mom with the help of a staff who knows her current needs and preferences.
While some people with dementia enjoy celebrating, others find it difficult to adjust to changes in routines, loud noise, and crowds. It might be a good idea to either have a mini-celebration in her room or a regular visit if your loved one gets agitated easily.
2. My Dad has dementia. He doesn’t seem aware that the holidays are coming this year. If I celebrate with him, will he even notice?
Even if dad isn’t interested in the world, he will still love spending time with his family. You might consider taking him out of the assisted living, senior living, or memory care community. It may be worth it if he enjoys going out. If he doesn’t, make a trip to the pub a celebration if it brings him joy.
This is a great time to look back at old photos, listen to holiday music, or enjoy cheerful decorations. If he is not upset by the noise or activities, he will be happy to see you in the holiday spirit.
3. What are some activities I can do with an assisted living resident to celebrate the holidays?
A low-key approach to holidays for dementia sufferers may be better. Overstimulating holiday activities and busy decorations can cause confusion or agitation. Start with some simple decorations and small groups of people and then see how it goes. Depending on how visitors react, you can add or remove more decorations.
Seniors without cognitive impairment can participate in family celebrations in some creative ways. Tell your senior loved one when you will celebrate with them to assure them that they aren’t forgotten or abandoned.
These are some festive activities:
- Decorate the room with them together. Get a mini tree and garland, draw a line on the wall in a tree shape, tape ornaments on it, decorate the room, or hang a wreath at the door.
- Give them ideas and help them buy gifts for their family members, especially grandkids. Wrap them together
- Arrange a family trip and open presents together. It’s much more fun when everyone has presents to open.
- Video chats can be set up for family members who live far from you so that they have virtual visitors
- You can accompany them to a holiday party or meal hosted at the assisted living community.
- You can sing along or listen to holiday songs.
- Enjoy a holiday movie
- You can make a holiday puzzle or a coloring page.
Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now if you’re looking for the best place for your senior loved one.
Like our Facebook page for more great info about assisted living.
Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/