Not all residents will be able to stay with family over the Christmas period but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed. This blog post will talk about the most popular ways that older adults living in assisted care facilities can enjoy the holiday season.
How Aging Adults Can Make The Most Of Christmas
We all know that the holiday season is a time for joyful traditions, family get-togethers and festive activities. No matter what age we are, this time of the year can bring most aging adults back to the memories of their childhood and the timeless Christmas traditions that they shared with their own families.
However, it is not always possible for older adults to spend the holiday season with their loved ones especially for those individuals who live in assisted living. Yet, that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the holiday season to its fullest.
5 Ways To Celebrate The Holidays While Living In A Care Facility
Many assisted living communities and care facilities know how important it is for older residents to keep these festive traditions at this special time of year. If you are a resident of an assisted living community, it is important to remember that even though the setting may be different, there are still plenty of ways for you to celebrate the holidays. If you are looking for some inspiration as to how you can enjoy the festive season, we have listed the top ways to help you get in the Christmas spirit of joy and giving.
Give To Charity
Many care facilities organize activities that allow senior adults to donate to charity or give back to their local community. As Christmas is the season of giving, many aging adults enjoy being able to give back to those that are less fortunate. For example, some communities choose to knit scarves for the homeless or make holiday cards for sick children in a hospital. Regardless of which way you decide to help others, being charitable over the holiday period has proven to raise the happiness levels of many older adults.
Visit With Family & Friends
Many aging residents often prefer to stay in their care facilities during the holiday period due to the fact that they know that their needed care will be available to them. However, if possible, it is always recommended that you have a visit with friends and family over Christmas. Whether they travel to visit you or vice versa, seeing the people that we love is a great way to make the most of the holidays. Even if it is just for a short period of time.
Gift Giving
Consider giving gifts to other residents and the staff that look after you during the year. Many communities for older adults that need assisted care will organize for their residents to exchange gifts at Christmas time. Gifts can be very thoughtful tokens to show others how much you appreciate them and can help boost residents happiness levels.
Take Part In Group Activities
Group activities are a great way to get into the festive spirit and celebrate this wonderful time of year. Many care facilities will organize fun activities such as cookie baking, gift-wrapping, sing-a-longs and holiday entertainment such as Christmas tree lighting events and festive shows. Attending events like these have proven to be very beneficial for those aging adults who will be away from family around the holiday time as it keeps them socializing and engaged in the festive activities.
Decorate Your Room
Lastly, decorating your room can be a great way to prepare you for celebrating the holidays. You would be surprised at the effect that putting up some Christmas decorations in your surroundings can have. A Christmas tree, Christmas cards from family and some festive lights help to make your room more homely during the winter and brings out the joyful spirit in many adults.
Celebrating Christmas: The Joy Of Sharing Traditions
The Christmas period is a wonderful time of the year for all ages. Even if you won’t be spending the holidays with your family this year, there are plenty of ways that you can still celebrate and get in the festive spirit. Whether by joining in with carol singers, giving gifts to other residents or simply decorating for Christmas, you will be sure to make the most of the holidays.