We all understand that the holidays are a time for the entire family, yet hundreds of thousands of retirees still celebrate this season alone across the nation. This could occasionally be a result of family problems, but more frequently it is a result of the physical space between members of the family or the fact that other members of the family are celebrating the holidays somewhere else. In America, loneliness and isolation in the elderly go largely unnoticed, and these difficulties frequently get exacerbated over the holidays.
Is this the first year in which your cherished one has been in a retirement community or assisted living village? If so, you might be unsure about how to manage spending this Christmas with them. Occasionally, your friend or relative relocates to a retirement community since they merely want a little more assistance and no longer wish to cope with property ownership. That suggests that they will probably be able to continue traveling and attending events normally. Fantastic! However, people frequently enter retirement communities because they have severe mobility and potentially cognition issues. Consequently, it could be more challenging to invite them to your party.
We have thought of four fantastic suggestions for Christmas activities for the elderly who reside in senior living communities.
Set a Date and Time to Bring Them to a Special Place
Make plans to see your friend or relative on Christmas Eve if you are not able to host them at your house for the holiday. Bring them to view the festive light displays, take them to a unique Christmas performance, or take them out for lunch or supper alone. You would both feel the spirit of Christmas after doing this.
Pay Them a Warm Visit on the Day of Christmas
Your cherished one will be overjoyed to meet you on Christmas Day if you could sneak away for a little while. Perhaps a few members of the family might join them for dinner or a dessert in the retirement community. Bring Christmas sweets, deck the halls, and extend the invitation to everyone in the house. Another fantastic thing that you can do is an online video conversation if you really cannot get away!
Start a Tradition or Continue an Existing One
Does your father have a favorite holiday film that he always watches? Make a special occasion to view it alongside him at his house by locating the DVD or downloading it to your computer. Create a new custom that you and your loved one will regularly participate in. It may be a movie, cookie-decorating session, card-writing session, or a social affair with several other retirement care home members to sing Christmas songs.
Participate in the Events and Activities That the Retirement Community is Holding
Just before Christmas, the majority of retirement communities will throw a special holiday supper and invite family members to join. Additionally, they frequently provide holiday crafts and activities. Inspire your cherished one to participate. Also, if it’s feasible, take your family along with you.
