Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, connection, and family gatherings. However, the holiday season can sometimes feel isolating for nursing home residents, especially if family visits are limited. With a bit of planning and creativity, families and caregivers can ensure that Thanksgiving is a warm and memorable occasion for nursing home residents, allowing them to feel included and appreciated. Here’s a guide on making Thanksgiving memorable for residents, whether you can visit in person or connect from afar.
Organize a Thanksgiving Meal Together
Nothing brings the spirit of Thanksgiving like a shared meal. Plan to share Thanksgiving dinner with your loved one at the nursing home. Many facilities allow families to join residents for special holiday meals.
- Ask About In-House Celebrations: Check with the nursing home staff to see if they are hosting a Thanksgiving event or meal. Many facilities plan special holiday menus and events, and some even allow family members to join.
- Bring Favorite Foods: If the nursing home allows, bring a few of your loved one’s favorite Thanksgiving dishes that they can enjoy safely. Even small treats like pumpkin pie or homemade cranberry sauce can bring back memories of Thanksgiving.
- Set Up a Festive Table: If you can join in person, bring along a few small, safe decorations to make the meal festive. A small table centerpiece or a few Thanksgiving-themed napkins can add warmth without causing clutter.
Share Family Traditions Virtually
If you aren’t able to visit in person, technology can help bridge the distance. Video calls through services like Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype are a great way to keep the tradition of sharing Thanksgiving alive, even from afar.
- Plan a Video Call During Dinner: Arrange a video call during Thanksgiving dinner, placing a laptop or phone at the table so your loved one can join the family meal from their nursing home. This way, they can feel truly included in the celebration and remain engaged throughout the gathering.
- Showcase Family Activities: If your family has Thanksgiving traditions—such as watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade, sharing what everyone is grateful for, or watching a football game—try to involve your loved one through a live video feed.
- Record Messages from Family and Friends: If a live call isn’t possible, ask family members to record short video messages to be played for your loved one, wishing them a happy Thanksgiving and sharing holiday greetings. Nursing home staff may be able to help play these videos for the resident.
Bring the Sights and Smells of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving’s aromas, flavors, and sights can bring back cherished memories and comfort nursing home residents. Small details that connect to these familiar elements can brighten their day.
- Bring Scented Items (Safely): Seasonal scents like cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or apple cider can evoke warm memories. Consider using flameless candles, sachets, or essential oil diffusers with gentle holiday fragrances if the facility approves.
- Share Homemade Goodies: If allowed, bring in some bite-sized homemade treats. Pumpkin cookies, spiced muffins, or small portions of traditional Thanksgiving side dishes can bring the comforting taste of home. Be sure to check any dietary restrictions with the staff first.
- Decorate Their Space: Add a few Thanksgiving decorations, such as paper leaves, a small pumpkin, or a Thanksgiving wreath, while keeping safety in mind. Avoid anything heavy or sharp, and keep decorations out of walking areas to reduce fall risks.
Involve Residents in Thanksgiving Activities
Engaging residents in activities not only makes the day feel festive but also helps foster a sense of community and joy.
- Thanksgiving Crafts: Organize a simple craft session where residents can create Thanksgiving cards, paint mini pumpkins, or make handprint turkeys. These crafts can be shared with fellow residents or family members, giving them a sense of accomplishment.
- Storytelling and Reminiscing: Many nursing home residents enjoy sharing stories of past Thanksgiving. Set aside time for storytelling, where residents can share their favorite Thanksgiving memories, such as traditional family recipes, funny moments, or things they’re grateful for.
- Gratitude Tree: Create a gratitude tree or wall where residents can write what they are thankful for on paper leaves or sticky notes. This activity encourages residents to reflect on the positives in their lives, and seeing everyone’s contributions can be uplifting for all.
Encourage a Spirit of Gratitude and Connection with Caregivers
Thanksgiving is an ideal time to express appreciation to the staff who care for your loved one. Recognizing their dedication and hard work boosts morale and strengthens the bond between residents, families, and caregivers.
- Send Thank-You Notes: A simple thank-you card expressing gratitude to the caregivers can go a long way. Include a small message or note from your loved one, as personal messages from residents are often significant.
- Provide Small Treats: If permitted, consider bringing treats that staff can share, such as cookies, chocolates, or a small basket of fruit. This small gesture can make caregivers feel appreciated.
- Acknowledge Their Efforts: Take time to acknowledge caregivers during your visit or on the phone. Recognizing their hard work and care can foster a positive environment, especially during a busy holiday season.
Make Plans for Future Holidays
Planning for future gatherings, even if tentative, can give nursing home residents something to look forward to beyond Thanksgiving.
- Discuss Upcoming Holiday Plans: Even if they are not finalized, discuss potential family plans for Christmas, New Year’s, or other celebrations. This helps residents feel included in family plans and gives them events to look forward to.
- Set Goals for Staying Connected: If frequent visits aren’t feasible, talk about ways to stay connected regularly, such as weekly phone calls, monthly visits, or letters and cards.
Recognizing and Supporting Emotional Well-Being
During Thanksgiving, it’s especially important to pay attention to your loved one’s emotional well-being. While this time of year brings joy, it can also evoke feelings of loneliness or nostalgia, particularly for residents who may be separated from family traditions or familiar surroundings. Take time to observe their mood and listen carefully to what they share, asking gentle questions to help them open up if they seem reserved. Signs of emotional strain, such as withdrawal, tearfulness, changes in appetite, or a lack of interest in holiday activities, may suggest they’re struggling with feelings of isolation or sadness.
Encourage your loved one to talk about their memories of past holidays or to share stories that bring them comfort. Sometimes, just being heard and reminiscing together can lift their spirits and foster a sense of belonging. You might also explore other ways to enhance their mood—whether that’s encouraging them to join group activities, engaging them in a favorite hobby, or creating a small gratitude list together. If you notice ongoing signs of sadness or depression, consider reaching out to nursing home staff to discuss options for additional support or counseling. Showing attentiveness and care can make a meaningful difference, helping your loved one feel loved, connected, and valued during the holiday season.
Creating a Memorable Thanksgiving for Nursing Home Residents
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate togetherness, gratitude, and the importance of family. With a few thoughtful preparations, families and caregivers can make Thanksgiving memorable for nursing home residents and ensure they feel loved, valued, and connected.
Whether you can be there in person or connect from afar, each small gesture can bring joy to their holiday and create memories that last well beyond Thanksgiving Day.
Questions About a Potential Lawsuit Against a Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility?
Michael Hill is a nationally recognized attorney who handles exclusively cases against long term care facilities. Michael and his firm, Michael Hill Trial Law, are headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio but handle cases across the country.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational purposes only. Nothing in this article should be construed as providing legal advice or the creation of an attorney client relationship. Laws are updated frequently and change from state to state. If you desire legal advice, you can contact Michael Hill Trial Law at www.protectseniors.com, send an email to info@protectseniors.com, call (800) 659-2712 to begin an investigation, or contact another attorney.
