How to make the holidays special

Here are five ways to help your loved one enjoy the holidays and make them feel at home:

1. Decorate for the holidays – Play holiday music while you decorate his or her room to set a festive mood. Perhaps you can bring some of your loved one’s treasured holiday decorations to include in the fun.
2. Plan a shopping day – For residents able to leave their skilled nursing centers,  plan an outing to help get their shopping done for the holidays. For those who are unable to leave, help them make a list of gifts they need to buy and take on the task of shopping on their behalf.
3. Attend holiday community events – Skilled nursing centers take special care during the holidays to ensure that everyone feels loved and celebrated by scheduling activities and parties. When available, join your loved one and share the experience. If your loved one is reluctant to attend or seems withdrawn from the group, help by striking up a conversation with fellow residents.
4. Visit often – Visits from family and close friends are always welcome, especially around the holidays when your loved one may be feeling a bit blue. Feel free to bring along children and grandchildren, as well as family pets. Residents are grateful to be around loved ones during the holidays and they appreciate the time you spend with them.
5. Write holiday cards together – If your loved one traditionally sends out holiday cards, take time to help write, stamp and ship the cards to family members and close friends. Also, be on the lookout for cards your loved one receives from old friends and put them on display.

Bethany
Inspired Designes
http://inspireddesignes.com