Visiting a Loved One in Memory Care During the Holidays
The holidays are a wonderful time to visit a loved one in memory care. A little planning can help make those visits warm and relaxed for everyone.
Plan the timing
- Ask staff when your loved one is usually at their best. Late morning is often a good time.
- Keep visits a comfortable length; shorter, more frequent visits can be better than one long one.
- Check the home’s holiday activity calendar and join an event together.
Bring the holidays with you
- A favorite holiday treat to share (check with staff about diet first)
- Old family photos or a holiday album
- Familiar music: carols, hymns or songs from their youth
- A soft blanket, sweater or small decoration for their room
Visiting with a group
Large groups can be overwhelming. Consider having family members visit in twos or threes over several days. Children are often a joy to residents; prepare them ahead of time and give them a simple activity, such as coloring together or sharing cookies.
Should we bring Mom home for the holiday?
For some people, a trip home is a treat. For others, a change in surroundings, travel, noise and a crowd can lead to confusion and a hard return. Talk with the care team about how your loved one handles change. Often, celebrating at the memory care home, where routines and caregivers are familiar, is the more comfortable choice.
Saying goodbye
Keep goodbyes short and cheerful. Leaving while your loved one is engaged with an activity or a caregiver can make the transition easier. If they’re upset after you leave, staff can comfort and redirect them.
Most of all, enjoy the moment. Your loved one may not remember the visit, but the feeling of being loved lasts.
Have questions about memory care for someone you love? Call Generations Senior Living at (352) 474-2696 or schedule a tour of one of our three homes near The Villages.
