Thanksgiving is a time when families come together to share meals, memories, and moments of gratitude. But what if your loved one resides in an assisted living facility? The good news is that distance doesn’t have to mean detachment. With Thanksgiving just over a month away, now is the perfect time to start planning how to share the warmth and joy of the season, no matter where your loved ones are.
Taking Your Family Member Out for the Holiday
Taking your older family member out for Thanksgiving requires thoughtful consideration of their unique needs, but you can easily overcome any hurdles with proper preparation. Start by inviting them well in advance and reminding them regularly about the upcoming holiday plans. This is especially important for seniors who may experience confusion or anxiety with sudden changes in routine. To make the day go smoothly, coordinate with the staff at the assisted living facility. Situations may have changed since you last kept up with the ins and outs of the life of your loved one, so staff can provide valuable insights into any dietary restrictions or medical considerations that have arisen.
The prospect of a large family gathering may be overwhelming for some seniors, especially if they’ve been living in a quieter environment since their move to a facility. To ease any fears, consider setting up a calm space in your home where they can retreat if the festivities become too much. Assign a family member to keep them company, ensuring they never feel isolated or overwhelmed.
As mentioned, you should consult with the facility’s staff to understand their current dietary needs and plan your menu accordingly. During the holidays, it’s important that everyone can partake in the feast without any adverse effects on their health.
As the day progresses, keep an eye out for signs of fatigue or confusion in your older family member. The excitement and change in the environment could become overwhelming, and it’s important to recognize when they might need a break. If they show signs of tiredness or disorientation, offer them the option to rest in the designated area or even return to the facility if that’s what they prefer.
Celebrating Thanksgiving at an Assisted Living Facility
Even if your older family member can’t easily travel for the holidays, you still have a myriad of options available to you. In fact, many facilities go all out to make the holiday special for their residents, providing a fantastic alternative.
One of the first things you can do is help your loved one decorate their living space. Whether hanging up fall-themed decorations or setting up a small Thanksgiving centerpiece, a festive environment can lift spirits and make the holiday feel more like home.
Assisted living communities offer a range of holiday-themed events and activities. These events provide excellent opportunities for your older family members to socialize and enjoy the holiday spirit with their neighbors and fellow residents. If possible, join them for these activities or encourage other family members to participate. It’s a wonderful way to make them feel included and cherished.
When it comes to the Thanksgiving meal, our facilities offer special dinners for residents and their families. Check with our activities director to see what’s planned and how you can participate. If you can’t be there in person, consider sending a special dish or treat your loved one can share with friends at the facility. You can also schedule a video call to share some quality time, no matter where you are.
A Banyan Residence is an assisted living and memory care facility in The Villages, Florida. Contact us today to schedule a tour of our facility.
