by Assisted Living Staff on November 3, 2010
If you have loved ones who are elderly (and we all do), don’t forget them during the Holiday season this year. While most assisted living facilities do their best to take great care of your loved ones, there really is nothing that could substitute for a visit from you.
The holidays are a lonely time for many people. Make sure it isn’t a lonely time for your loved ones. We know that the travel can be inconvenient, but it means all the world to those who are in assisted living facilities to know that you still think about them regularly and care enough to drop what you’re doing occasionally and stop by for a visit.
Here are some ideas to think about to help make the Holiday season a little brighter for your loved ones in assisted living facilities:
- Stop by for a surprise visit. Even if you aren’t able to stop by on the actual holiday, a visit during the Holiday season is always appreciated.
- Send a card. Better yet, bring one by when you come to visit.
- Call. If you aren’t able to stop by during the holidays, at least call and let your loved ones hear your voice.
- Write a letter. When you’re lonely, sometimes a heartfelt letter means even more than a phone call, if for no other reason than you can pull it out and read it over and over again.
- Decorate their living area. Whether they have a shared room or an apartment to themselves, it’s always nice to have their area decorated. Make sure, of course, that you come back after the holidays and take the decorations back down. It’ll be a great reason to stop by for another visit anyway.
Don’t get us wrong; many people in assisted living facilities can and do get around quite a bit by themselves. And the majority of facilities keep their residents busy with activities. Some facilities even take their residents on regular outings. But, in the end, nothing can replace time spent visiting with those we care about the most: family.
by Assisted Living Staff on October 27, 2010
One part of staying healthy is staying engaged and having an active social life. That’s why assisted living facilities typically provide numerous ways for patients to take part in community activities. You can check with the activities director at any facility to find out more about specific programs, but here are some of the kinds of activities you can usually find.
- Bingo parties, arts and crafts, and classic movies are standard assisted living activities that most people can enjoy.
- Mall walking or other walking activities can be held indoors year-round, while outdoor activities such as nature walks, fishing, and Frisbee golf are typically available in warmer months.
- Water aerobics and other water classes are great for patients with arthritis, back and knee pain, and other mobility or range of motion limitations.
- Swing dance, sock hop, square dance, and other such dances are very popular.
- Card games such as bridge, cribbage, or rummy may be held weekly. In addition, poker tournaments or tournaments for other popular card games are sometimes offered.
- Board games like Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, and home editions of TV game shows can be fun to play on game night, but can also be done tournament-style.
- Guest speakers, weekly prayer meeting, Bible study, and religious ceremonies are typically offered on-site for people of all faiths.
- Make your own musical instrument night combines an arts and crafts activity with a musical sing-along, which can be great fun.
- Most facilities plan seasonal events, especially around the holidays.
- Poetry readings, comedy club, and talent show night can be a great way to show off your talents and skills, and encourage your friends to do the same.
- Music therapy and art therapy can be especially helpful when a patient is working to regain muscle control. They are also ideal for anyone who appreciates the arts.
- Pet therapy is good for any resident who likes animals. Visiting or resident pets can provide an opportunity to soothe and be soothed, and can help reduce stress.
- Gardening clubs may be offered for those with a green thumb, or a desire to find one.
- Many facilities provide transportation to local stores for some shopping and socializing away from home.
- Scavenger hunts, balloon volleyball, miniature golf, and ice cream socials are often well-attended events.
- Some facilities have Wii Sports, which can be a fun way for residents to stay in shape while playing a video game that improves hand-eye coordination.
- Many facilities also offer book clubs, bowling leagues, and quilting circles, plus many more activities depending on resident interests.
If there is a specific type of activity you would like to see on your schedule, be sure to talk with staff and find out if you can make suggestions. Most activities directors are happy to plan events around their residents, provided the activity isn’t dangerous or outrageously expensive.
