How to Cope Through the Holiday Season – Part II
This holiday season comes with unprecedented challenges, but we all still need to find some holiday cheer. With a little creativity, there are many ways to safely celebrate the holidays with loved ones in long term care!
In Part I, we outlined the importance of family and friends in doing their part to protect long term care residents and staff during the pandemic, as well as some easy ways to connect via video calls, drive-by visits and more.
If you’re seeking even more inspiration, look no further: we’ve put together a list of ideas based on real stories from long term care facilities and their communities.
Read on to see how long term care residents are getting into the spirit of the season:
A festival of lights
Louise Miller of Roanoke, Virginia is giving back to the nursing home that cared for her mother by organizing a light display for residents, staff and the community. Watch her interview here →
“Adopt-a-Resident” programs
Kindergarten and third grade classes at Langdon Area Elementary School in North Dakota are participating in an Adopt-a-Resident program in which they send letters and gifts to those in long term care. Learn more about how the community is stepping up to support staff and residents →
Holiday flower deliveries
The Red Bluff Chamber of Commerce in California is bringing Christmas joy to residents with floral arrangements sponsored by families and businesses in the area. Residents at six facilities will receive their own hypoallergenic arrangement with a “Merry Christmas” message and the name of the sponsoring group. Read more →
Visiting suites
Ridge Senior Living in Salt Lake City, Utah allows families to reserve special visits through a pane of plexiglass. The rooms are disinfected and ventilated between visits to ensure everyone is safe. Learn more →
A hilarious “open season”
One Canadian nursing home in Wikwemikong, Ontario went above and beyond for residents, with staff dressing up as deer and allowing residents to “hunt” them with Nerf pellets. Read more here →
If you have an idea of your own, tag us on social at @ahcancal with a photo and we’ll share to inspire other families to connect with their loved ones.
