With the holiday season right around the corner, family gatherings are being planned and dinner menus set. If you have a loved one living in a senior care facility, finding time and ways to incorporate them into your celebration is important to building and maintaining a close connection. The following guide offers advice for helping their season be festive and bright.

How to Celebrate the Holidays With an Elderly Loved One

1. Plan Ahead

Most senior care facilities welcome family members to plan holiday activities for the residents in the community. If your loved one is still in good health and can have numerous guests, arrange a day where multiple family members can come to visit at the same time. Not only does this give them more people to socialize with, but it helps them feel like they are a part of the holiday celebration.

Start your preparations long ahead of time and talk with staff members and your loved one about what they would like to do or have at the party. 

2. Bring Traditional Holiday Foods

If there is a special dish your senior family member prefers, make sure to bring some when you visit them to help them get into the spirit of the season. Just make sure to follow all dietary restrictions and guidelines for their health.

3. Include Them in Gift Giving

While the holidays don’t have to be about giving gifts, you can include your loved one in the festivities by helping them complete their shopping list or finding them the right present to make them feel appreciated. This may be a comfortable set of pajamas or a family photo to allow them to reminisce.

With the holidays approaching, finding the right senior care facility for your aging loved one is essential to their wellbeing, which is why families in Carlsbad, NM, trust Lakeview Christian Home. For more than 55 years, our independent living community has provided more than 500 individuals with a place to call home, providing reliable care and skilled nursing. To learn more about our services, visit us online. Call (575) 885-3161 to arrange a tour.