Page 27 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - December 2018 - 25-12

Senior Times - December 2018 No Matter Where You
Page 27
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Are Celebrating... Be Present
By: Sherii Sherban, Publisher
Holidays in an assisted living can still be fun, festive, and meaningful even if it means embracing new tradi- tions.
The holidays are about spending quality time with people you care about. Older adults in an assisted living will feel loved and included when you find ways to bring the holiday spirit to them. Remind yourself that what’s most important is celebrating together in a way that works for the current situation.
To help you find ways to celebrate, we’ve got answers to three top ques- tions:
1. Should you bring your older adult
home for a family celebration?
2. What should you do when an older
adult is no longer aware of holidays?
3. What festive activities work well in
an assisted living?
1. Should I bring mom home to
celebrate with the rest of the family? If your mom doesn’t have dementia and you can handle her physical needs and transportation, going to the family home could be a great way to celebrate the holidays. Before deciding, talk with her to see how she feels about it.
She may be concerned about getting too tired or needing help with personal care. Reassure her by explaining how her needs can be met. If she’s feeling shy or afraid that she’ll be a burden during a fun time, remind her of how much the family is looking forward to seeing her.
If your mom does have Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other cognitive impair- ments, it may be disorienting to take her out of a familiar environment. Ask staff members who know her well for their opinion. If your mom enjoyed the holidays when she was younger then
a day of festivities may be the perfect way to bring out special memories from her past.
Some people with dementia enjoy festive events, but others are easily rat- tled by changes in routine, loud noise, or crowds. If your mom is likely to get agitated, it might be better to have a quiet celebration in her room or just have a regular visit.
2. My Dad has dementia. This year, he doesn’t seem to know that it’s the holidays. Will he even know or care if
I celebrate with him? Even if your dad doesn’t seem engaged with the world, he’ll still enjoy spending time with you and family.
You may or may not want to take him out of his assisted living, depend- ing on how well he usually does with outings. If he typically enjoys going out, then it may be a good idea. If not, turn the visit into a festive occasion if that’s likely to bring him joy.
It’s a perfect time to reminisce over
old photos, sing along, listen to holiday music, or admire cheerful decorations. Unless he becomes agitated or upset
by the activities, noise, or change in routine, seeing you in the holiday spirit will likely brighten his day.
3. What activities can I do to cel- ebrate the holidays with someone in an assisted living? If your older adult has dementia, we recommend taking a low-key approach to the holidays. Over stimulating holiday activities or busy decorations could be confusing or cause agitation.
Start with a few simple decorations and smaller groups of visitors and see how things go. You can always add more or take some away depending on how they react.
For seniors without cognitive impairment, find creative ways to help them take part in family celebrations. Reassure your older adult that they won’t be forgotten or abandoned by telling them when you’ll celebrate with them.
Try these festive activity sugges- tions:
• Decorate their room together – get a mini tree, use garland to make a tree- shaped outline on the wall and tape ornaments onto it, put a few decora- tive items around the room, or hang a wreath on the door.
• Help them think of and purchase gifts for kids or grandkids and wrap them together.
• Arrange a family visit and open pres- ents together – it’s more fun when the whole group has presents to open.
• For family living far away, arrange video chats so they can have virtual visitors.
• Accompany them to a holiday event or meal hosted by the assisted living community.
• Sing along with or listen to holiday songs together.
• Watch a holiday-themed movie.
• Work on a holiday-themed puzzle or a
fun coloring page.
No matter where you are celebrat- ing... be present.


50/50 & Poinsettia Raffles!
Tickets are at the Door $5.00 Seniors/Students $10.00 Adults
Cereal City Concert Band
Dr. Stephen White, Conductor - PRESENTS -
NOEL
Christmas
around the
World
December 9 2018
Sun.
Pennfield Performing Arts Center
8299 Pennfield Rd, Battle Creek 3:00pm