Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Celebrate Thanksgiving With The Scottish Home

Turkey, traveling, friends and family…What comes to mind when you think of Thanksgiving?  For many of us, the holidays are a great time to share the joy of life with friends and family.  However, the holidays can be a stressful, confusing, and depressing time for senior citizens.

Reducing loneliness in older individuals around the holiday season is essential for their happiness and well being.  Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to create a fun and interactive community for residents of nursing homes.  Take a look at some important points to remember this holiday season with your elders:

Activities and Crafts – Thanksgiving for nursing homes can be a great opportunity to bring traditional decorations and fun new activities.  Having senior citizens create holiday-inspired crafts and using those to decorate their home can make a space feel festive and lively!  Try crafting a fall wreath, leaf artwork, or turkey centerpiece with your residents.

Maintain a Regular Schedule – Thanksgiving can be a highly stressful time with the hustle and bustle of holiday festivities.  To help the older individuals in your life feel a sense of stability, be sure to maintain a regular schedule of sleep and medication.  In addition, monitor the amount of alcohol consumed because it can interfere with medication.

Encourage Family Visits – The easiest way to make the holiday season special for the elderly is by spending time with them.  Talk about old times, inquire about their life and thank them for all they have done.  Taking an hour out of your day means the world to the older individuals in your life. 

At The Scottish Home, we are proud to support and bring joy to our residents during the holiday season.  This Thanksgiving, know that your loved one is in good hands with our dedicated and trained staff.  To learn more about Thanksgiving at The Scottish Home, contact our team or call 708-447-5092.