A change of pace can be overwhelming for a loved one in a Care Home at Christmas time. You may find yourself wondering how best to navigate your plans while keeping their needs and wishes in mind.
This article offers practical advice on creating a fulfilling Christmas experience for you and your loved ones and provides thoughtful gift idea suggestions.
Advice for Relatives of People In Care Homes During Christmas
Communicate with Staff
Staff at a family-run care home, for instance, would have spent many Christmases helping residents and their families cope with the festive season.
While it’s important to know what the care homes do in the run-up to Christmas, it’s just as important to let staff know of your loved one’s traditions and what they most enjoy doing over the season.
Take the opportunity to share your plans in advance and find out when the best time to visit is, on and around Christmas, so that caregivers can prepare your loved one emotionally and physically for a smoother transition and make it a joyful time for all.
Organise A Christmas Shopping Date
Your loved one may have friends and family for whom they want to buy gifts. To reduce stress, aim your outing during off-peak hours and at a familiar shopping venue like a shopping mall or garden centre that is relatively spacious to manoeuvre and has easy access to a carpark and food court for a well-deserved break.
Consider planning what your loved one would like to purchase in advance for a seamless shopping experience. This can help evoke feelings of accomplishment and joy during your outing, easing anxiety.
If the prospect of shopping out during this time of year is daunting for you or your loved one, you can always shop together online.
Be Attuned to Your Loved One’s Needs
While the guilt of leaving your loved one in a care home over Christmas can be overwhelming enough to consider bringing them home for Christmas day, it could be too much for them. Listen to their verbal or nonverbal cues and adjust your plans accordingly leading up to the day.
While shorter visits in quieter spaces can help maintain energy, mood and comfort throughout the day, everyone’s needs differ.
If you decide that keeping your loved one in the care home on Christmas day is in their best interest, a traditional Christmas dinner will be provided. However, you can still bring a favourite treat that can make the celebration feel more personal and nostalgic.
For instance, you could take in a homemade dessert with sentimental value. However, check with the care home beforehand and check your loved one’s dietary restrictions and preferences to ensure the additional food complements their needs.
This thoughtful gesture can create a sense of familiarity and warmth, enhancing the festive experience.
Engage in Meaningful Activities
During the lead-up to Christmas, involve your loved ones in meaningful Christmas activities.
These can include writing Christmas cards and labels for gifts, decorating festive treats, making paper Christmas decorations, decorating small trees, singing Christmas carols, watching a Christmas movie, playing festive board games or doing a puzzle together.
These can all provide emotional comfort, cognitive stimulation and a sense of belonging. They can also give a sense of accomplishment and strengthen the family get-together.
Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Loved Ones in Care Homes
Selecting the right gift for a loved one in a care home requires considering their needs and tastes. Here are some Christmas present ideas that your loved ones may appreciate.
Nightwear, Dressing Gown, Slippers and Blankets
Nightwear, dressing gowns, slippers and blankets can provide warmth and enhance daily routines by offering comfort and ease. Choose soft, breathable fabrics for nightwear paired with simple, easy-to-wear styles. Select slippers with enclosed, non-slip soles for added safety and warmth. Soft fleece or cotton blankets can provide your loved one with a comforting sense of security and cosiness.
Personalised Cushions
Personalised cushions with pictures of your loved one’s extended family can encourage visual cues and evoke positive memories. They can even spark recognition, reducing the feeling of loneliness.
Favourite Cosmetics and Toiletries
Pampering items like favourite cosmetics or toiletries in a set can be practical and indulgent. Look for gentle, nourishing products such as facial moisturisers, lip balms and hand creams with mild fragrances. This can help them to enhance their self-care routine and feel fresh.
Hands-On Relaxing Projects
To keep your loved one relaxed and entertained, purchase something hands-on that they are interested in, such as a car model kit, puzzles, painting supplies, knitting staples, colouring books or felt-tip pens. Ensuring these creative projects match their abilities and interests ensures they find them enjoyable and achievable long-term.
Hello, my name is Bethany, and I am the owner, manager and third generation in the family business. I have grown up with the Chestnuts, and it is a second home to me and my children. My home/work life is very mixed, and that’s ok because being at work feels like being at home.