While the holiday season is self-proclaimed to be “the most wonderful time of the year,” it’s no secret that it can also be an incredibly stressful, emotional time for some. At senior living communities, it can also be a lonely time for some residents. If a resident’s family is too far away to visit or they’ve lost loved ones, the holidays can feel like times of grief and sadness.
It’s important to make sure your community is a welcoming, happy, safe place for everyone during this time. Decorations are a great way to brighten up your community and bring some cheer to those who are missing that holiday spirit.
For some, this may be their first holiday season in a senior living community rather than their home. Certain people may have traditions that they don’t want to leave behind after their move. Checking in with residents and allowing them to share what the holidays mean to them and how they normally celebrate can help you plan events everyone will love.
Showing your residents that the holidays can still be a time of fun, joy, celebration, and love in their new home can make them feel more settled and comfortable after their move. Letting them know that they can still carry on the traditions they’ve practiced for decades can make them feel less like they’re missing out on something by living in your community.
Hosting activities that encourage residents to come together and foster their relationships with each other can be crucial to making sure no one feels alone. If a resident’s family can’t visit, they may feel left out and lonely. Make sure they know that they have a whole community that supports and is there for them.
The holidays can also be tied with grief for some. These feelings shouldn’t be rejected or neglected. Making sure residents have people they can talk to and share their stories with is so important. Especially if this is the first holiday season without their partner or their partner loved the holidays, it can be difficult for some to feel joy without sadness attached. This grief is normal and shouldn’t be suppressed.
Preparing a senior living community for the holidays can be a lot of work, but it’s important to keep the health and well-being of your residents at the top of your priority list. The main goal of these communities is to keep seniors well cared for and happy. Don’t lose sight of this goal during the holiday season. Residents may need some extra emotional support around the holidays. Make sure you and your team are doing everything they can to make the holidays a smooth, happy time for everyone.
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