During the holidays, families can face some unique emotional challenges when a loved one is in a skilled nursing facility. Holidays bring changes in routines, environment, and feelings, which can be both exciting and disruptive to residents. These big emotions can then be increased by the physical separation inherent with skilled nursing. In some cases, it can be harder to enjoy the holidays than before.
This is why at Haven Health, we aim to be as flexible and accommodating as possible for families around the holidays looking to visit and celebrate with their loved ones. Our aim is to support families in creating meaningful holiday experiences, despite any challenges around nursing care. In fact, we encourage family participation in celebrations for the benefits it provides both to our residents and their loved ones.
Despite health challenges, the season can indeed still feel joyful and connected. Here’s how we can help and what you can do to keep your loved ones jolly and bright during the holiday season.
Why Holiday Activities Matter for Seniors
Holiday activities matter for seniors because they help to maintain mental and emotional wellbeing. Keeping traditions alive, connecting with one another, and spreading joy are all ways to brighten the mood during November and December, and into the new year.
Traditions and routines around the holiday seasons are an important part of being a human being. Staying connected to our past, our heritage, and our families allow us to live healthy, full lives, inside skilled nursing facilities or out.
For both our long-term residents, as well as our residents seeking short-term rehabilitation, we aim to make the holiday season invigorating, while promoting a sense of normalcy. To further this goal, we always encourage family participation in the lives of loved ones, as well as schedule a number of activities to help residents connect with each other and the ones they love.
Haven Health’s holiday programs and activities help improve seniors’ mood, cognitive health, and social bonds. We place great importance on inclusive celebrations tailored to the needs of our skilled nursing residents.
Thanksgiving Activities for Seniors
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we’re thankful for, to spend time with family, and eat hearty meals before the relative cold of the winter. Each year, we help our residents celebrate Thanksgiving with a mix of safe, engaging activities that bring the holiday to life.
Our Thanksgiving activities facilitated by our staff include pastimes like crafts, baking projects, storytelling, and themed games, designed to engage seniors safely and joyfully in skilled nursing environments.
Sharing favorite memories fosters both connection to other residents, as well as the past, crafts are a great way to brighten up rooms and hallways, and themed games can be played with families and friends from outside the facility.
We always encourage families to participate whenever it’s safe and possible.
Christmas Games for Seniors
For the Christmas season, Haven Health creates accessible events, like tree decorating contests, sing-alongs, simple games, and light movement that foster holiday spirit among residents of all abilities.
Many of our activities around this time are focused on creating community among residents and staff, as well as bringing in families from the outside to further engage with their loved ones.
In addition, we’re a welcoming facility and not simply limited to Christmas traditions during the holiday season. We’re happy to accommodate traditions from other religions and love to celebrate the diversity among our residents.
Group Activity Ideas for Arizona Communities
Year-round, including during the holiday season, Haven Health in Arizona organizes a number of group activities and outings that help seniors and other residents feel connected to each other and to the larger world.
Our residents often enjoy holiday movie nights, gift-wrapping stations, interactive storytelling, and outdoor walks (weather permitting) that encourage social connection and seasonal fun.
Many of these activities can be performed and enjoyed, regardless of physical ability. We always strive to be inclusive of all our residents, no matter their health challenges or backgrounds.
Because of our beautiful locations in Arizona, we’re also able to take advantage of the mild winters, and our activities are frequently held outside, if safe and pleasant to do so. We recognize both the physical and mental health benefits of the outdoors, and help our residents make the most of the season.
Make Holidays Meaningful for Your Loved Ones in Skilled Nursing
One of the most important factors for residents to maintain good mental health and positive outlook during holiday times is participation from their families. At Haven Health, we always encourage family participation, not only in care, but in activities that benefit the mental health and mood of their loved ones.
One great way to get involved is by personalizing holiday celebrations. Along with your family, you’re welcome to incorporate traditions into facility activities. This encourages participation, and ensures comfort and safety for seniors in skilled nursing.
You should also plan virtual or in-person visits when possible, and during these visits, it’s a good idea to bring letters, photographs, and small gifts that may make your loved one happy. Reminiscing about the olden days is a great way to spark conversations and get closer to your loved ones.
You should also be mindful of your loved ones’ comfort and health. Keep activities simple, positive, familiar, and suited to their abilities. With these simple suggestions, everyone should have a great time.
For Skilled Nursing in Arizona During the Holidays and the Rest of the Year, Haven Health Is Here for You
If you’re looking for skilled nursing in Arizona, or you already have a family member in skilled nursing at Haven Health, we encourage you to reach out to learn about holiday programs and how you can become involved in creating joyful, inclusive celebrations for your loved ones.
We are committed to helping families and residents celebrate the holiday season with dignity, joy, and connection, and we always encourage visits from both families of residents and prospective residents. We’re always happy to answer questions over the phone as well.
Contact us today to learn how you can get involved and make your loved ones’ holidays truly special.