During the holidays, families often make plans to gather for meals and parties at someone’s home – or perhaps, they meet at a local theater to see a production, or visit a display of holiday lights. If you have a senior loved one who lives in assisted living or a memory care facility, you may wonder how to best include them in your holiday festivities. The decision to bring them home during the season to be with family is one that needs to be made on a case by case basis, and will depend upon their physical health, cognitive abilities, and comfort level.
Are Holidays at Home a Good Idea?
If you senior family member does not have dementia, you should first ask them if they would like to come home with you for the holidays. While most seniors would love to be with family and don’t want to feel left out, your Mom or Dad may have some reservations that need to be addressed. They may feel afraid that they will be a burden. They may worry about incontinence, or that they cannot hear well enough to carry on a conversation. Whatever their concerns, assure them that they are loved and wanted at your celebration – and discuss with them the ways that you can resolve their fears and make them feel comfortable enough to enjoy the gathering.
Of course, if your loved one has physical needs, you will have to make sure that you can handle the situation. You may need to bring a wheelchair, or understand how to manage their medication. The assisted living staff will be able to provide invaluable insight as to their daily needs and challenges to make sure that they are well taken care of.
If your senior family member does have dementia, bringing them home for the holidays is a bit more complex.
Individuals with dementia can get confused or agitated when they are taken out of familiar surroundings, and it can be especially problematic if the new environment is loud or crowded. It is important to understand how your loved one reacts to new situations, and make plans to accommodate any needs they may have. This may include having a small, intimate gathering with family rather than a lively party, or providing your loved one with a quiet place in the home to retreat to if they need a break. Remember, you can always have a more festive event after they return to their memory care center.
Plan a Holiday Gathering at the Community
If you speak with the staff at the residence and agree that it is best not to bring your loved one home – whether for physical or emotional reasons – you should still plan to spend specific time during the holidays celebrating with them. Feeing isolated or lonely is one of the greatest fears held by those in senior communities, so be sure to speak with them about plans you are making to include them in your holiday.
You may choose to bring a small group to the facility for a meal, spend time decorating your senior’s room while playing carols, or even orchestrate a cookie baking party with their friends at the home. Be sure to tell them what you are doing, write it on a calendar for them, and be flexible when you are there – if they seem anxious or confused, it’s okay to scale back your plans and just spend time with them.
Finding the Right Senior Residence
The moat effective way to understand what is best for your loved one is to speak with the staff at their senior care residence. Finding a community that is dedicated to partnering with you to act in the highest interest of your family member, therefore, is critical.
At My Care Finders, we offer knowledgeable industry expertise to help
