Food, laughter, maybe some snow, and gift giving…the holidays can be a special time of year for many. Surrounded by those you love can make for long-lasting memories you can talk about again and again. Sometimes the place doesn’t make the moment memorable, rather who you’re with.
At Bay Vista Assisted Living, we know how special the holidays can be for our residents and their families. We take pride in bringing the holiday spirit for those who celebrate and understand that the holidays might look different this year for some who recently moved their senior into assisted living. Regardless, the difference in location doesn’t mean that special memories can no longer be created, or that the holiday season has to feel different.
Below are 5 ways in which you can celebrate the holidays with your loved ones in assisted living.
Relocate for the Holidays
Maybe this is your loved ones first year celebrating the holidays outside of their traditional location. Or maybe their old house was the original location where all the festivities took place. Either way, consider renting a venue or another home in the area for this holiday season. Why? Well on one hand it will make everyone feel at ease knowing the experience is going to be new for all parties involved. On the other hand, it will give your family the opportunity to create new traditions every year if you like. Who says celebrating the festive season at a beach front property one year and on an island the next can’t become traditional?
If the holiday season was always spent at your loved ones previous home, then this will offer them a great sense of relief. In a way, it might make them feel better because they can focus more on who is there and not where they are not. The transition to an assisted living facility should not mean everything should change if you don’t want it to.
Plan Festive Outings
Getting your senior out and about if they are willing and able can be a great way to celebrate the holiday season. Maybe your community is hosting a play. You can bring your loved one along and enjoy it together. Or maybe your neighborhood is holding a light competition to see who can decorate their house the best. This would be a great opportunity to take them for a drive in the evening and look at all of the pretty decorations while listening to festive music and drinking hot cocoa.
Participate in Community Events
At Bay Vista Assisted Living, we try our best to make sure those that want to celebrate the holidays feel as though little has changed. We also understand that not all of our residents are able to leave the facility. For this reason, we offer holiday activities that our residents can participate in to bring out that holiday cheer. We are even able to host such activities where families may come and participate as well. That way, everyone gets to spend some time together for the holidays.
Gift-Giving
Gifts this year might look and feel different, especially if this is your loved ones’ first time. That being said, it’s important to remember that in some cases giving gifts might not be what they desire. Oftentimes you’ll find that spending time with them seems like it’s never enough and in this way, spending time with them could be the best possible gift you could give.
Either way, recognize that exchanging gifts might be different this year but that no matter what nothing can compare to any amount of time you spend with them.
Keep the Traditions You Can
One of the best things you can do is think about ways in which you can continue previous traditions regardless of location. Maybe holiday baking was the one thing that brought everyone together. From rolling the dough in flour on the counter, to the green, red, and white colors of frosting on each cookie. Cookies and smiles were all you needed to feel all the feels of the holiday season.
If your loved one is willing, able, and if it’s safe to do so, consider bringing them home to celebrate. Reconnecting them with this sense of holiday spirit surrounded by family can mean so much. Transitioning to an assisted living facility can be a great adjustment and bringing your loved one home for a few hours during the holidays can make them feel at home again.
Holidays at Bay Vista Assisted Living
Bay Vista Assisted living knows what it means to celebrate the holidays with loved ones who are no longer able to live at home like they used to. We know the impact that this has on our residents as well as their families. We prioritize everyone’s values and we go the extra mile to accommodate all during these special times. As the holiday season is upon us, it’s important to plan ahead and start thinking about ways you can include your loved one in your plans this year. If you’re interested in knowing what events and activities we will be hosting here at the facility, visit our website or give us a call.
