The holiday season is a joyous time, but it’s not all fun, games, and relaxation. Most Floridians have added responsibilities during this time, whether planning family gatherings or shopping for dozens of presents. In addition to these typical holiday responsibilities, those with family members in assisted living or memory care have a bit more to worry about. You don’t want them to feel isolated or separate from the family, but their unique needs mean including them isn’t always so simple. But the truth is, spending Thanksgiving or other special holidays with a family member in care can still be an incredibly meaningful and enjoyable experience without introducing much hassle. Whether visiting them in their community or bringing them home for the day, there are many ways to make the season enjoyable for all.
Should You Celebrate Thanksgiving at a Memory Care Community?
Not every family member in memory care can safely or easily leave to spend extended time at a relative’s house, especially without ample planning time. They may need assistance with daily life, whether bathing, dressing, or going to the bathroom. Luckily, spending time at the assisted living or memory care community can be a wonderful way to celebrate, even if it’s not the traditional family gathering that you have in mind.
Facilities go above and beyond during the holidays, organizing festive events, decorations, and even group activities that everyone can enjoy. While having fun with neighbors and family, your loved one can remain in the comfortable, familiar environment they are accustomed to, not burdening extended family by introducing additional care needs. Staff members are there to assist with your loved one’s specific needs, allowing you to focus on enjoying quality time together.
How Can You Safely Bring Your Loved One Home for Thanksgiving?
For some families, bringing a loved one home for a few hours or even for the day is an important holiday tradition. It’s not always feasible, especially if long-distance travel is involved. However, this can be a safe and joyous experience with some planning and effort. Before making any decisions, talk with the facility’s staff to understand your loved one’s current condition and needs. They can provide helpful insights on current care needs and help guarantee that your family member will be comfortable and safe during the visit. Remember, don’t force the issue if your family member is uncomfortable or averse to the trip; we’ve already discussed the myriad of ways that celebrating within a facility is a fantastic alternative.
If you do decide to bring them home, attempt to keep the environment familiar and stress-free, with the ability to remove them from the main area to a side room away from the action. Large, noisy gatherings can be overwhelming, especially for those with cognitive issues. Smaller, quieter celebrations are a better choice, even if this is only a temporary measure to include your loved one with memory issues. After they enjoy their time and return to the facility, you can increase the scope of the party to the levels your family typically enjoys.
As we mentioned, designate a quiet space where they can rest if needed and stick to any important routines to their care. The celebrations might need to go on hold for a bit, but it’s worth it if your loved one can celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year with those they love.
Simple, thoughtful gestures can make the holidays a joyful and inclusive experience for everyone involved. If your loved one is in need of compassionate assisted living or memory care, contact A Banyan Residence today to learn how our facility can help this holiday season.
