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Sharing the Holidays When a Loved One is in a Nursing Home

It's the holiday season again, and time to start thinking about planning holiday activities and gifts for our family and friends.

It's the holiday season again, and time to start thinking about planning holiday activities and gifts for our family and friends.

If you have a family member or friend in a nursing home, you may be wondering what you can do to make sure they feel the holiday spirit too.

Staff members at the nursing home and eldercare services provider Beverly Healthcare, suggest planning regular visits throughout the season that include activities that are centered on the holidays.For example:

Room Decorating - Help your loved one decorate his or her room with holiday decorations.

Small, artificial Christmas trees decorated with holiday ornaments look great on dressers and can really make a room look and feel festive.

You may also want to consider flannel holiday bedding such as sheets, pillow cases, and comforters.

Not only will this keep your family member warm, but it is another way to add holiday decorations.

Be creative - the more festive the better.

And, don't forget their favorite holiday music!

Holiday Cards - It may be difficult for your loved one to send holiday cards to family and friends.

You can help write personal notes in the cards, address envelopes, and make sure the cards get to the post office.

You can also help a family member read and display the holiday cards they receive.

Shopping - Consider inviting your loved one on a holiday shopping trip.

They can experience all the fun of holiday shopping with your extra help.

Consider planning your shopping trip during a time when there will be fewer crowds so it will be easier to move through the stores.

Holiday apparel - Holiday robes, slippers, sweaters, jewelry and socks are already out in the stores.

Consider bringing your loved one holiday apparel and accessories that he or she can wear throughout the season.

You may also be wondering what would be an appropriate gift for someone in a nursing home.

Just as you would with others on your list, consider gifts that match his or her hobbies, interests and needs.

Remember the nursing home is their home, so you will want to consider activities or items that help them feel comfortable and secure.

Beverly Healthcare staff members suggest the following holiday gifts:

Room Decorations - Framed pictures, prayers or quotes, books, pretty quilts, blankets or pillows that make a room more home-like and comfortable.

Nonpoisonous plants also make good gifts.

They brighten up a room, and give your loved one something to care for.

Also, a calendar with special dates and upcoming events, such as grandchildren's birthdays, children's anniversaries and graduations, along with a selection of cards and stamps will help your loved one celebrate special occasions.

Toiletries - Even seemingly simple gifts such as talcum powder, lotion, a toothbrush or toothpaste can significantly contribute to a resident's comfort and well being.

Because the texture of skin changes with age, you will want to check with nursing home staff to make sure such gifts are appropriate.

Gift certificates to the nursing home's beauty salon for a haircut or manicure are especially appreciated.

To make it more special, you can give yourself a gift and join your loved one at the salon.

Entertainment - Sometimes nursing home residents are not able to attend special family events such as graduation, anniversary or birthday parties. Videotape the event so your family member can see the festivities and feel as though he or she is an important part of the family.

Watch it together so you can relive the festivities, too.

Books and music are also popular.

If your loved one has vision problems, make a date to visit weekly and read to him or her.

Clothing - Gifts that help your loved one feel warm and cozy during the winter months can be especially welcome.

Cardigan sweaters, sweat suits, hand knitted booties or slippers and lap blankets are just a few gift ideas.

And, don't forget to pick up cheerful sweaters, sweatshirts and socks depicting fun holiday scenes.

Above all, Beverly Healthcare staff wants to remind you that sometimes the simplest gifts are the most appreciated.

If your loved one is mobile, take him or her for an outing to a favorite restaurant, plan a visit to a church or synagogue for services or invite their friends to the nursing home for a special lunch.

And of course, visiting a family member in a nursing home is often the best gift.

For more information on a Beverly Healthcare nursing home in your area, visit www.beverlycares.com

Courtesy of ARA Content

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