Tips For Celebrating Christmas At An Assisted Living Home

If you have a loved one in an assisted living center, you probably want to spend time with them, especially around the holidays. However, you might not know the best way to do so. You probably want to make sure that your loved one is able to see his or her family, open presents, and enjoy the day without it being too overwhelming. Here are some tips for celebrating Christmas at an assisted living facility so that the day goes as smoothly as possible.

1. Consider Staggering Family

If you have a large extended family that all want to see your loved one, you probably want to try to stagger when the family members show up during the day so that they don't overwhelm your loved one or cause him or her to feel stressed out. Divide the family up into groups of five or six. Create a schedule for when each group of people should show up and disperse the schedule to your loved ones. This will allow them to know when they should come. It will also allow you to avoid having your loved one be alone for too long during the day.

You could also have your family members come on different days, such as having some come on Christmas Eve and others come on New Years day.

2. Bring Activities for Kids to Do

If you have kids that you will be taking to the assisted living facility, consider giving them a gift specifically for them to play with at the facility or bringing coloring books, puzzles, or other quiet activities. This will allow you to put more of the focus on your loved one, rather than having to spend time entertaining your kids. You might also bring a movie that both your loved one and your kids would enjoy.

3. Be Around for Mealtimes

Try to be around for a meal during the holiday. Many people find eating a meal with family members on Christmas to be very important. It will make your loved one feel as though the holidays are normal and that being in an assisted living does not negatively impact them.

4. Get Gifts for Your Loved One's Friends

If your loved one has a few close friends at the assisted living facility, bring gifts for them and invite them to partake in the festivities, especially if they don't have family visiting. You will allow your loved one's world to merge with his or her family and make Christmas a lot more enjoyable.

For more information, talk the assisted living facility.

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