Moving into assisted living can be a stressful experience for seniors. Adjusting to a new setting takes time, even if the change comes with more benefits.
A fear of being forgotten or excluded is common among aging adults who move into senior care. This is especially true around major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Moving into an assisted living community doesn’t mean a person is completely separated from life outside of the facility. There are opportunities to connect with the local community.
Loved ones play an important role in reminding an aging parent or grandparent that they are not forgotten and never will be.
With the holiday fast approaching, now is a good time to consider the ways that you can help a family member celebrate their first Thanksgiving in assisted living.
Share Information About Upcoming Assisted Living Events
Ask the facility about upcoming activities, groups, and events. Woodhaven Retirement Community plans a variety of special gatherings for residents. Most facilities schedule classes, clubs, entertainment, dinners, and more.
Find out where the events calendar is posted or ask staff for dates and times. These events are ideal because they bring the activities to the facility. No transportation is required. It’s safe, fun, and engaging for seniors of all ages.
Reach Out More Often During the Holidays
Try to reach out to your loved one in assisted living more often around and during the holiday season. This helps reassure them that you are still thinking about them.
Contact doesn’t have to be lengthy or involved. It can be as simple as a quick phone call to see how they are doing or to tell them about family developments. Let them say hi to the kids or talk about common interests like their favorite TV shows.
A conversation may seem mundane, but regular interaction can work wonders for senior mental health and emotional wellness.
Decorate Their Assisted Living Room
Holiday decorating is a popular pastime for families across America. That shouldn’t change when a loved one moves into assisted living.
Encouraging a senior to embrace life in an assisted living community is important. Celebrating with a festive atmosphere is a great way to help that process along.
Remember to keep the facility rules in mind when choosing and placing your Thanksgiving decorations. It is best to use lighter items that are easier to put up. Some things to remember are:
- Decorations should not block pathways or become tripping hazards
- Decorations that make noise or shine lights should be easy to turn off
- Decorations should never cause a hazard or obstacle for seniors passing by
- You will need to find a place to store decorations after the holiday is over
You can make decorating even more fun by making them with your loved one. Spending an afternoon together creating handmade décor and chatting is another great way to celebrate Thanksgiving.
An easy and inexpensive approach is to bring tape, construction paper, and a pair of scissors to make turkeys and paper chains to hang up. You can also add dried flowers, googly eyes, ribbon, felt, and more to spice up your Thanksgiving decorations.
Take Your Loved One Out for Fall Fun
When someone moves into assisted living, they aren’t stuck there. Loved ones can come by and take residents out for fun and celebration.
This is a great time for a trip to local fall festivals, farmers markets, or family gatherings. You can go see a movie or enjoy other activities your senior loves.
Medical needs and mobility should always be considered before taking your loved one out for any reason. Safety and comfort are top priorities. Some fall activities, like hiking or walking through a pumpkin patch, might be difficult for seniors with limited mobility. Make plans to accommodate their needs or avoid activities that put them at risk.
Remember to do the following before taking a senior out of assisted living:
- Have mobility equipment like a wheelchair or cane available
- Bring all their daily medication as well as anything that might be needed
- Pack clothing that’s appropriate for the season, like a jacket if it may be chilly
- Have snacks and water bottles on hand to prevent dehydration
- Know the location and accessibility of bathrooms and rest stops along the way
- Pack necessary supplies like adult diapers for seniors who need them
- Have emergency contact information on hand like doctor’s phone numbers
The amount of support and assistance that a senior requires will vary based on their unique needs. Some seniors get around just fine without assistance while others cannot. It is better to be over-prepared when taking a loved one out of assisted living.
Plan a Special Thanksgiving Dinner
Assisted living communities plan holiday dinners for residents. These are upbeat affairs with a festive atmosphere and home-cooked food. Find out if you can join in.
Unfortunately, not everyone is able to spend Thanksgiving day with their loved one. Some families travel for the holiday while others may host the event with a large group at home. If that is the case, plan a special dinner for your loved one.
This could be done another day or earlier on Thanksgiving day. Let your loved one participate in planning as much as they can.
You can add more fun things to do during the event, like these 7 fall activity ideas for seniors in assisted living communities.
Try to include some traditions in your Thanksgiving dinner. Popular choices include a special prayer, breaking the wishbone, or enjoying a beloved family recipe. Introducing these old traditions to your loved one’s new living space will help them feel more at home.
Organize a Virtual Meet-Up for Long Distances Relatives
Many seniors have loved ones who live too far away to visit on Thanksgiving. If this is the case for your family, plan a virtual meet-up. Modern technology makes getting in touch even easier, even if you are hundreds of miles away.
This can be done on a mobile phone or tablet if you have one. A bigger screen is preferred, especially for seniors who have diminished vision. Many apps are available to host a virtual meeting. Some devices come with built-in video call and group call functions.
It’s best to test the app you use beforehand, so you know how to set it up. That way no time is wasted during the meet-up. Video and audio are preferred because your loved one can see and hear their loved ones on the other end of the call.
Thanksgiving in assisted living should be just as fun and fulfilling for seniors as it is at home.
