Transitioning to life at an assisted living facility can be a significant challenge, especially during the holidays. For many families, holiday celebrations are among the most important annual traditions, and residents can be reluctant to move those celebrations into a new and unfamiliar place.
Luckily, there are several ways to spruce up your celebrations to help your loved one in assisted care feel more at home, including field trips, decorating, and more!
Decorate Their Space
There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than decorating your space with festive tinsel and ornaments. Assisted living homes vary in size, but even small spaces can be decorated with cheerful fixtures to get everyone in a festive mood, including:
- String lights and garland
- Small artificial Christmas trees
- Figurines and holiday tchotchkes
- Seasonal linens and throws
- Cozy candles (if allowed by the facility)
Celebrate in Their Community
Most assisted living facilities, including Good Shepherd, regularly coordinate activities for residents during the holidays. Participating in these festive activities alongside your loved one is not only fun, but it can also help them feel more comfortable socializing with their neighbors, which can help them adjust more easily to their new home.
Not all events are open to family members, so contact your loved one’s assisted living facility to learn more about what they have scheduled for the season and who can participate.
Take a Field Trip
Local organizations, such as the City of St. Cloud and the Downtown St. Cloud Alliance, host festive fairs, entertainment, and events aimed at fostering a sense of community during the holidays. Taking your loved one out to these events can help them feel connected to the wider world and combat the anxiety associated with major life changes. Events vary across cities and states—check your local events schedule to learn about what’s available in your town.
Not every resident is a good fit for field trips, especially if they need special accommodations. Before making any holiday event plans, discuss the matter with your loved one and their care team to ensure everyone remains safe and happy this holiday season.
Practice Old Traditions and Start New Ones
Many residents who transition to assisted living worry about having to give up their cherished family traditions. While holiday celebrations might look different in an assisted living facility, there’s no reason residents can’t keep up with their favorite traditions in their new residence. For example, if their space has a kitchenette, you can bring out your family recipes and bake your favorite holiday treats.
Residents can also take the opportunity to start new traditions, such as:
- Building gingerbread houses
- Writing holiday cards
- Making DIY wreaths
- Watching holiday movies
- Hosting a potluck
- Video chatting with long-distance friends and family
- Coordinating a gift exchange or Secret Santa
- Singing holiday karaoke songs
Celebrate the Holidays with Your Loved Ones at Good Shepherd
Moving to a new community can be stressful but celebrating the holidays with your loved one can help them feel connected and loved at Christmas time. Good Shepherd welcomes and encourages family and close friends to participate in many of our holiday events so everybody can enjoy the warmth and joy of the holiday season.
Contact us to learn more about our assisted living services today!