The staff in assisted living communities strive to ensure that holidays remain fun and meaningful, even if residents have to change the way they celebrate. However, senior adults in assisted living residences will feel most loved and included when their families make thoughtful efforts to bring the holiday spirit to them where they are. In fact, spending quality time with loved ones is what the hoidays should be all about. To help families to understand ways to celebrate the season with their senior family members, we address 3 common questions:

holidays with senior loved ones

  1. Should we bring Mom or Dad home to celebrate with the rest of the family?If your elderly parent doesn’t have dementia and the family has the ability to handle any specific physical needs for the day, spending the holidays at home with the family may be a fantastic option. (Remember you also have to be able to transport them with any mobility equipment such as wheelchairs.) But before planning a home visit for your family member, talk with them to see if they are comfortable with the idea.  They may be worried about becoming too tired or not being able to handle toileting or personal care. You can reassure them by explaining how you will help with any of the areas they are concerned about. If they are worried about being a burden during a celebration, remind them of how important they are to the family – and ho much the family would love to see them.If your loved one does have Alzheimer’s or dementia, taking them out of their familiar environment may be too confusing for them. Ask staff members at the memory care center their opinion on how your oved one may react to a change of scenery.  Some individuals with dementia enjoy being at social events, but others are easily agitated and stressed out when placed in an unfamiliar setting that may also be crowded and loud.  If yourloved one is easily confused or overwhelmed, you may wish to have a small gathering at their residence instead.
  2. My family member has dementia, and is not aware that the holidays are almost here. Does it really matter if we celebrate with them?Even if your loved one doesn’t seem in touch with what is happening out in the world, they will likely still enjoy being with family. You can decide if taking them out of their memory care or assisted living residence is apporpriate – if they normally like to go out exploring, it may be a good plan. If not, you can visit them and have a small party where they are comfortable.  Your time together may consist of looking through old photos, singing their favorite songs, or do an easy craft project together. Unless they become agitated by the change in routine, seeing you in the holiday spirit will likely make them happy even if they aren’t aware of the holiday itself.
  3. What holiday activities can I plan for my loved one who is in assisted living? If your senior loved one has dementia, a less dramatic approach to the holiday season may be best. Holiday activities that are too overwhelming could cause anxiety and agitation, so you can start with a few simple decor items and small group of visitors and gauge their response.  You can always adjust based on if they receive your efforts positively. For those seniors without cognitive impairment, look for creative ways to help them to participate in family celebrations. Reassure your senior family member that they haven’t been forgotten or left out, and make sue they understand your holiday plans that include them.

If your loved one lives at A Banyan Residence, we are happy to meet with you to discuss the most appropriate ways to include them in the upcoming holidays.