Here at Broad Creek Manor Assisted Living, we know that the holidays can be a lonely time for some of our residents, and we work extra hard to bring some holiday cheer to make things merry and bright. If you have a loved one here, we welcome your suggestions. We also welcome you to join us at any time.
Here are some of our ideas:
1. Deck the Halls (and Their Room)
We usually have one main Christmas tree, but you can provide a tabletop tree for your loved one. We like to decorate with garlands and paper snowflakes as well. To help your loved one decorate their room, consider wrapping the door in gift wrap and ribbon like a big package.
Other options include bringing them special winter bedding as well as holiday towels, decorative pillows, and possibly favorite decorations from when they lived in their own home. You can also create a Christmas card holder to display the cards they receive. It can be something as simple as twine or ribbon strung across a window, where you hold cards in place with clothespins.
2. Make Music
This can include letting the assisted living facility know which songs are your loved one’s favorites to get them added to a playlist that can be heard in communal spaces such as the dining area. While the assisted living activities director may arrange a singalong for residents, you can also arrange to have your church youth group or other youth group come caroling at the center.
3. Get Crafty
Many seniors enjoy arts and crafts and it is a great social activity. Wreath making, decorating stockings, making ornaments, and making gingerbread houses are all fun to do. Residents can give some of these crafts as gifts, or use them to decorate their room.
4. Join in the Festivities
You can visit your loved one in assisted living any time you like. But during the holidays, it can be especially lonely for some seniors. Talk with your siblings and make time for joining in the facility festivities such as decorating, a singalong, or baking cookies.
5. Holiday Movie Extravaganza
Movie night (or afternoon) is always fun, especially with some of the holiday classics such as It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, White Christmas, The Grinch, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and more. If you have a collection of holiday movie DVDs, feel free to loan them to Broad Creek Manor.
6. Get Santa to Pay a Visit
Arranging with a local Santa to visit and bring small gifts to residents is always a hit. You can help by making suggestions of gifts that your loved one might appreciate based on conversations you’ve been having.
A Note to Local Businesses and Groups
If you find that you would like to increase your charitable giving as the year comes to a close, please remember older adults in assisted living. Donations of small gifts, gift cards, food items, floral arrangements, craft supplies, etc. are always welcome. You can also offer to donate your time, depending on what your business is.
A shout out to some local businesses who have offered products and services in the last year:
- DH Storm Photography
- Stark Farms
- A number of local churches
- Local Girl Scout troops
- Tracey Properties
RELATED READING
How to Talk to Your Aging Parents About Assisted Living
How Respite Care Lets Your Loved One Test the Waters of Assisted Living
Schedule an Assisted Living Tour Today
If you or a loved one are contemplating the transition to assisted living, you’ll want to explore your options. At Broad Creek Manor, our trained staff strive to make this feel like home. We’re conveniently located in a tranquil setting in Harford County, Maryland, around an hour’s drive from Baltimore, as well as York and Lancaster counties in Pennsylvania.
To schedule a tour, please fill out the contact form, or call us at 410-452-0004. We look forward to meeting you!
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