How to celebrate the holidays with your loved ones living in a care home

Welcome to Anchorage, where a blend of warmth, compassion, and quality care awaits, providing a secure haven for those in search of a comfortable and enriching care home experience.

The holidays are a time for family, feasting, and festivities! While this time is for making memories at home, it can be a difficult time for those with loved ones in a care home. However, with a little creativity and lots of love, you can make this holiday season one to remember for your loved ones living in a care home.

At Anchorage, we want all our residents to make the most of this festive season and create memories with friends and family. Here are our top tips on celebrating the holidays with your loved ones living in a care home:

Planning and communication:

Engage in open and honest conversations with your loved one and the care home staff to understand their preferences and any specific needs or concerns they may have.

Plan regular and consistent visits to spend quality time with your loved one during the holidays. Consider their preferences and energy levels when scheduling visits. Multiple shorter visits may be more enjoyable than one long one, especially if they have limited mobility or need extra rest.

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Festive fun in familiar spaces:

Personalise your loved one’s room with festive decorations that evoke happy memories. Photos from past holidays, homemade ornaments, or even a miniature Christmas tree can do wonders for spreading cheer.

Music is a powerful mood-booster. You can create a playlist of their favourite Christmas carols, classic holiday hits, and festive tunes to get everyone in the spirit.

Sharing the joy:

Pack a picnic basket with their favourite holiday treats and share a cosy meal in their room. Don’t forget the bubbly cider or eggnog!

Encourage other families and residents to join in the fun by contributing dishes from their own holiday traditions. It’s a great way to spread the festive spirit and create a sense of community.

Get creative:

Get crafty with homemade cards or heartfelt letters filled with holiday wishes and memories. You can also organise a gingerbread house decorating session, a singalong, or a simple craft project like making Christmas decorations.

Another fun activity is group holiday baking – you can make cookies and cakes and all your favourite treats and share with everyone!

Embrace technology:

If you are unable to visit your loved ones in person, schedule a video call to share stories, sing carols, or play online games.

You can also have a virtual meal together and get the whole family involved.

Most importantly, remember that the holidays are about connection and love. By bringing the festive spirit to your loved one’s care home, you can create lasting memories and ensure they feel the warmth and joy of the season.