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Celebrating Thanksgiving with Residents in a Senior Living Community

Celebrating Thanksgiving with Residents in a Senior Living Community


Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday when families come together to celebrate life’s many blessings. When a loved one is in a senior living community, it can make gathering a little more difficult. Below are tips for celebrating Thanksgiving in a way that is enjoyable for the whole family.

  • Bring the holidays to those in senior living communities. If your family member in a senior living community isn’t able to come home for the holidays, then bring the festivities and family traditions to them! Decorate their residence with Thanksgiving garlands or gourds to enhance the holiday atmosphere. Make plans to join your loved one and establish new traditions. Most senior living communities offer Thanksgiving events.
  • Send a care package. If you live too far away to visit your loved one for Thanksgiving, put together a special package from the whole family. You can include letters, photos, flowers, homemade treats and anything else to remind them you are thinking about them. Make sure to give them a call or video chat on Thanksgiving.
  • Plan activities that anyone can enjoy. If you can bring your family member home for a visit, plan some holiday activities that entertain the whole family. Low-key activities, such as watching a football game or a movie, are an easy and fun way to gather the family together. Other suggestions for holiday fun include writing letters to friends, veterans or family members, completing a puzzle, listening to music, or doing a Thanksgiving-themed craft. Don’t feel that you need to plan every second of their visit. They will probably be happy to just relax and enjoy time with the family.
  • Adhere to dietary requirements. Thanksgiving is a fun time to indulge, but it is important that you prepare foods that take your loved one’s dietary restrictions into account.

Above all, the holidays are about spending time with loved ones, regardless of what you do or where you celebrate. Your senior family member will be grateful to celebrate Thanksgiving with you, wherever you are!