Why is it better for seniors to be in a senior living community for the holidays?
Ringing in the good cheer with other residents during the holidays in a senior living community, plays a crucial role in older adults’ enthusiasm for the holidays and is associated with higher levels of security, confidence, and well-being, especially useful as an introduction to senior community living if your senior loved on is on the fence.
Furthermore, encouraging a senior loved one to enjoy the season’s joyous activities with people of similar age, can spark reminiscences of past holidays shared by their cohorts which can be a more satisfying experience than chatting with younger people or family members who are from a different era.
Additionally, studies show that older adults often have more positive experiences during the holidays with friends their own age who are in the same situation, than with busy family members who are often distracted with caregiving duties or other obligations. And, these genuinely supportive connections are linked to better health outcomes, and are often more valued for the positive emotions they bring, while family relationships can sometimes involve more stress or duty-related interactions.
Moreover, this benefit of socialization with their peers is reinforced by the theory that older adults, with a more limited time perspective, choose to invest their emotional energy into relationships that are most rewarding. The exposure to other seniors on a regular basis reminds them of what they’ve been missing. This realization prompts a desire for a permanent move to a senior living community. Once they have begun to build meaningful relationships with other residents over the holidays, the satisfaction they derive from that exchange inevitably leads to their decision to remain in the community, especially for those who are social.
Seasonal Activities
- A chance to join the chorus, dance or play an instrument by moving your loved one into a senior living community on a temporary 2-3 month basis during the holidays, will give them an opportunity to try the community and make friends prior to deciding to become a permanent resident. They will be cheered on to try many activities that may lead them to brush off their musical instrument playing, singing, or dancing skills. In a welcoming environment of other seniors at the same skill level, they may be more encouraged to participate. Therefore, you are increasing their chances of commitment. The current residents, many of whom serve as Ambassadors to the community, will be effectively working as your ally in convincing your senior loved one to become a permanent resident if that’s what you hope.
- Live entertainment at your senior loved one’s doorstep! While residing in their chosen community, they can enjoy live shows and variety acts, while being served beverages and chef-prepared appetizers by friendly wait staff.
- Gift exchange, holiday shopping and decorating is made convenient as most communities bring the shops to the community, saving residents the hassle of traveling in the cold. However, if your senior loved ones enjoys getting out, there’s usually a community bus or car service for that. Residents can participate in an anonymous gift exchange with other residents by picking a name from a box for additional fun. And most residents enjoy creating arts and crafts and unleashing their design skills during the holiday decorating parties.
Festive Fine Dining Experience
- Chef-prepared meals eliminate the need for holiday grocery shopping, meal prepping or having to wash the dishes and clean the home. Your senior loved one can simply focus on the new friendships they’ve made in the community, relaxing and basking in the glow of all the fun while savoring the holiday dining experience at an exquisitely set dining room table, with mouthwatering food offerings, desserts and beverages.
- Snacks are available throughout the day during the holiday, passed around to residents during various times in between meals and there is often an area where residents can help themselves to coffee, tea, hot cider, hot chocolate and additional treats.
- Light cheerful music fills the air during the holidays and is always welcomed as a wonderful reminder of the season, and there is usually a 3 or 4 piece music ensemble playing music residents request while they dine.
Family Connectedness
- A Stress-free holiday can be achieved by moving your loved one into a senior living facility before the holidays. Families can rest assured that their senior loved one will be safe during the holidays and that 24/7 general oversight in case of emergencies is available. Quality time can be the focus when it comes to visiting senior loved ones by families, since amenities such as meals, housekeeping, laundry, and transportation are included in senior living communities.
- Convenience means that visiting families can not only visit their loved ones regularly during the holidays, but they can take them home for an overnight stay if they choose.
- Objective Observation is something that can be accomplished for family members concerned about whether or not their senior loved one will fit into a senior living community. By trying it out during a holiday for a few months, you can see not only how much fun your loved one is having, but you can witness firsthand, how well-cared for they are. Since the staff is 100% dedicated to the residents’ well-being, a senior loved one can easily thrive in a community with the continuous support of newfound friends who may better understand what they are feeling, as opposed to isolation or living amongst younger family members who are juggling multiple priorities.
Sometimes aging parents who were once very social can be resistant to a move because they’ve become used to being shut-ins and not communicating with others beyond their adult children. They may concede to anything their families suggest even if they covertly object because they don’t’ want to be perceived as an ungrateful burden. When they are in a safe community amongst people their own age, even by becoming friends with one other resident, their self-assurance can be regained.
Great Gifts for Senior Loved Ones
While the best gift you could give a senior loved one would be the gift of time, here are a few ideas:
E-Reader – If your loved one likes to relax with a good book, an e-reader might be just the gift that will
bring a smile to their face. E-readers are light and easy to use. You can even preload the devices
so that they can have dozens of titles right at their fingertips.
Blanket – A soft, warm blanket is like a comforting, warm hug during the colder months, especially as many seniors with Arthritis tend to feel cold most of the time. Even though most communities provide blankets, an extra high-quality one in your loved one’s favorite color, from family, always feels more special.
Magnifying Glass – Consider a stylish necklace that incorporates a magnifying glass for a senior lady who need a little extra help reading things like holiday greeting cards, or a hands-free magnifying glass with flexible neck for a senior gentleman. Many styles are available, so you can buy different ones to suit your gift recipient’s tastes.
Holiday Helpers
Movie Theater – most communities have a movie theatre where they play holiday-themed movies throughout the holiday, pop the corn and give out movie treats. Residents can request their favorite holiday movie to enjoy as is if they were watching it at home. Plus, they get to delight in a cozy movie night with other members of their community.
FaceTime with Out-of-town family – Holidays can be lonely for those who have recently lost a spouse or who can’t travel and have family members living in another state or abroad. But most communities can set up a private FaceTime meeting for residents during the holidays, so the resident who isn’t tech-savvy doesn’t have to worry about connecting with family members.
A Season of Giving – Being in a community during the holidays makes it easy for those residents who always donated to those less fortunate during the holidays maintain those cherished traditions. Communities usually have programs that residents can participate in, such as making knitted slippers, blankets, sweaters, scarves or other handmade gifts for local charities. Most communities provide the wool, knitting needles and other materials needed for arts and crafts. These group activities often provide an opportunity for residents to talk not only about their hobbies but about holiday celebrations of years past.
Facilitating a Smooth Transition
- Bring in familiar holiday decorations, cherished family photos, and festive items from happy family get-togethers during past holidays to help say “Season’s Greetings” and make the new place feel like home.
- Continue beloved holiday traditions by bringing in home-baked goods like sugar cookie snowmen in a holiday gift basket, if your loved one has a sweet tooth.
- Participate in your senior loved ones’ community events. Join in the planned activities, which can help your senior loved ones get acquainted with their new neighbors and the community’s schedule.
- Visit your loved one with family members and have a gift opening ceremony with them while capturing the moment on camera and sharing the photos with them.
Need Help Finding Senior Living for the Holidays?
Whether you need help finding senior living to greet your senior loved one during the holidays and beyond, Guidingly is your one-stop shop. Call us today before communities fill up!