With the vaccine rollout in full swing and restrictions in Florida easing, this holiday season looks to be a lot more festive than last year. Whether your senior loved one resides at home, at an assisted living facility, or lives in memory care, this is an excellent time of year to take them out for a short excursion. Holiday outings can break up the monotony of everyday life, give you bonding time together, and provide needed stimulation to your loved one.
Take a look at some of these holiday suggestions in and around The Villages.
The 2021 Villages Cruise-In is a classic car show and parade that is free to the public. There is live music, refreshments, a toy drive – and you can even get your photo taken with Santa Claus. Be sure to catch Rocky & The Rollers, a doo-wop band that will keep your toes tapping.
Christmas tree lightings took place last month, but sitting by a beautiful, well-lit tree is a wonderful way to spend time together. There are community trees at Spanish Springs Town Square and Brownwood Paddock Square.
Christmas shopping is important to many people, but seniors may feel left out of the loop if they can’t drive themselves to the shops. Be sure to plan this type of outing carefully, as you don’t want to overwhelm your loved ones or push their physical limits. You can spend some time at their residence discussing what they would like to purchase, then plan an itinerary for which stores you will visit. Pick a location with little shops and restaurants, so there are plenty of opportunities to sit, relax and grab a bite if need be. The Angels of the Villages program allows you to purchase a gift for a needy child, giving your shopping trip a special purpose.
Christmas cruises on the Lake Sumter Line are a relaxing and beautiful way to enjoy the holidays. These seasonal cruises run from December 18 through December 30 and can be enjoyed from 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Ride with Santa himself on December 23. The cost is $2 per person, and cruises are weather permitting.
The Holiday Music Box Society Show takes place on December 18th and 19th at the Eisenhower Regional Recreational Complex. This historical society is dedicated to collecting, restoring, and displaying vintage music box collections, and your loved one will love to stroll among these beautiful musical machines. Admission is free, and all are welcome.
Christmas lights provide a magical, illuminated show that you can enjoy from a car or wheelchair. Do some scouting before picking up your loved one and find the neighborhoods that offer the best displays. Tune in to a holiday playlist on your car audio system, and enjoy a leisurely drive through the decorations and holiday scenes.
Sometimes the best “outing” is close to home. If your loved one is at an assisted living facility, ask the staff about the possibility of hosting a Christmas cookie decorating contest for the residents or providing a hot chocolate bar while singing Christmas carols. Remember, the goal is to give them a special day that helps to break up boredom and feelings of isolation or depression. Take a few moments to think about the activities that your loved one used to enjoy, and then strategize the best way to adapt that activity to reflect their current capabilities.
At A Banyan Residence, we are committed to our residents’ health, well-being, and fulfillment. We wish all of our friends, neighbors, residents, and their families a beautiful holiday season
