Memory Care Assisted Living

5 Holiday Gift Ideas for Seniors in Assisted Living Facilities

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While the holiday season might be met with some unforeseen difficulties this year, there are still plenty of ways to bring joy and cheer into the season. For most of us this will mean smaller gatherings, and zoom holiday parties, but no matter what the occasion it’s important to still right in the seasonal spirit.

 

If you have family members who are in one of the country’s assisted living facilities, they may be feeling a little more down this season having to miss the normal family celebrations. While zoom is a perfect way to include them at home, there is no better time than Christmas to make them feel extra loved and special with these five holiday gift ideas:

 

A custom photo album

 

Memories bring back great times, emotions and experiences for seniors who are suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. So, what better way to ignite your loved ones’ memory than by giving them a custom photo album that contains the most beautiful photos of you and your family together? These might be the gift that just keeps on giving as these photos can even help introduce some daily memory exercises for your loved one in assisted living facilities.

 

You can add texts and notes on each photo to make them look and feel extra special.

 

Activity books

 

Seniors in assisted living facilities are encouraged to engage in different activities and games to allow them to socialize and keep their memories fresh.

 

If your loved one likes art, then you can give her adult coloring books that will surely keep her busy for hours. If the senior loves solving puzzles, you can opt for a crossword or Sudoku puzzle. You can also go for playing cards, board games or video games that seniors will surely love.

 

A special relaxation treat

 

Some assisted living facilities have their own salons and spas that you can treat your loved one to for a day. You can also fin a local spa or salon where you can book a day of pampering with your loved one where you can both enjoy a facial, massage, manicure, haircut, and even threading.

Seniors rarely have the chance to get themselves treated to a spa or salon day, so your loved one will surely appreciate this sweet gesture in time for the holidays.

 

An e-reader, tablet, or phone

 

Although most seniors are not well versed with technology, staff and members of assisted living facilities are more than happy to aid your loved one in mastering the basics of a tablet or e-reader. This way, you can still allow them to enjoy the convenience of these gadgets to entertain themselves and keep in touch with you.

 

If your loved one is into reading books, you can give her an Amazon Kindle or if she is into movies, then she’d love a new tablet with a subscription to Netflix or Hulu.

 

A beautiful blanket

 

Nothing is more comforting for a senior who experiences anxiety than a beautiful, weighted blanket. This type of blanket has been scientifically proven to help reduce anxiety and distress, and it is beneficial for seniors who have dementia or those that have difficulty sleeping or always anxious while in the assisted living facility.

 

Do not forget to make your loved one feel loved and remembered during the holiday season.

 

We may be experiencing some very rough times, but we should always make the effort to spend time with the people who once made sure that our holidays were extra special. Which one of these five gift ideas are you planning to buy for a loved one?

 

Want to see what kind of assisted living facilities we have to offer at Fallbrook? Click here to check out our assisted living page!

Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper

Assisted Living Facilities

5 Useful Tips for Transitioning into Senior Housing

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The move to senior housing can be tough on you and your loved one, but it can sometimes serve as the best option for both parties. So, whether you’re just beginning to consider your options or you’re getting ready for the move, here are five useful tips to help your loved one transition smoothly into this new living community:

Find the right community

 

There are a lot of senior housing facilities out there, but not all of them will fit your loved one’s needs. So, never rush into finding a community. Instead take the time to do your research and consider factors like level of care, amenities, staff, activities, location and cost.

 

The process of finding the right community may be the longest part of transitioning into senior housing, but it will surely prove to be worth your time and effort if you see your loved one happy.

 

Facilitate the moving process

 

Planning the move itself can be challenging for you and especially your loved one. In fact, this is such an emotional process because it means stepping out of a house that your loved one may have lived in for decades, so you should plan and facilitate everything to make him as comfortable as possible during the move.

 

Give the community time to get to know your loved one and understand his condition. Provide all the necessary support but be careful not to overstep boundaries with professionals because it could affect the level of care, they will provide to your loved one.

Make the effort to spend time with your loved one

 

When you are asked to move into a completely new living environment, it will definitely take time for you to get used to it and adjust to being in a different circumstance.

 

The first few weeks from the move will be a crucial time of adjustment for your loved one, so be there for him as much as you can. Let him feel that you are involved in his care and that he can count on you even if he lives in senior housing.

Keep home as close as possible

 

One of the benefits of choosing senior housing facilities is that you have the option to personalize your loved one’s apartment to give him that sense of familiarity with his new living space. Choose furniture that he can easily use comfortably, bring items that will remind him of your home and always make sure that all his needs are provided for.

 

Join your loved one in his journey

 

The transition to senior living takes time, patience, understanding and a lot of hard work. But your loved one and your entire family can get through this journey as long as you do it together.

 

You may have days filled with joy and some filled with tears. But what you must remember is that your loved one should be given the best quality of life possible even if he is suffering from a debilitating medical condition.

 

Have a loved one who is looking for the perfect senior housing? Click here and get in contact with us today so we can fill you in on why we could be the perfect match!

Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper