The holidays are filled with family, warmth, and creating lasting memories with the people we love. But for some seniors who are living on their own, the holiday season also brings challenges. It can be difficult to make travel and transportation plans around this time of year to visit friends and family, finding and attending social events isn’t easy, and hosting is not always a possibility.
The challenges of the holiday season can make it an ideal time to transition to an assisted living or senior living community. These kinds of communities can provide the social and emotional benefits that are so important during the holidays, with special events, social gatherings, and shared meals throughout the season. There are also practical and logistical benefits for moving now instead of waiting until after the holidays. Family and friends can visit easily and they will have peace of mind knowing their older loved ones are part of a safe and welcoming community.
Social and Emotional Benefits
The holiday season is one of the most social times of the year, so moving to an assisted living or senior living community during this time can provide the perfect opportunity for meeting new neighbors and developing friendships right away. Staff members understand the many circumstances older adults face during the holidays and go out of their way to make this time as comforting as possible. Along with the friendly people, senior living communities are filled with warmth, decorations, and music for the holidays, giving new arrivals a sense of home and comfort. Plus, there are always plenty of planned activities and social events for residents.
Many seniors experience loneliness and isolation during the holidays. The mental and emotional health of an older parent is often a concern for children who don’t live close by or aren’t able to spend more personal time with them. Moving to a community can help reduce loneliness during these highly social times of year, especially for those choosing to participate in daily social gatherings and group celebrations. Shared meals and community outings are year-long benefits of senior and assisted living communities, but they can become especially impactful during the holidays — providing companionship and purpose where there might have only been solitude for someone still living on their own.
There’s nothing quite like family gatherings during the holidays, but hosting or traveling to them can be stressful when seniors are living on their own. Senior living communities simplify family visits and make it easier to spend quality time together without worrying about the logistical burden. Families can enjoy their time together without worrying about hosting, cooking, or traveling. Many communities, like VOANS assisted living and senior living communities, also have cozy gathering spaces that enhance the holiday environment and time spent together — no decorating required because it’s already done for you.
Practical and Logistical Benefits
Assisted living and senior living communities take the stress out of all the planning, preparation, and chores around the holidays. From decorating to cooking, event planning, and cleanup, everything is handled by the staff. With no logistics to worry about, residents and their families can enjoy their time together without worrying about who has to cook the next meal, who is cleaning up after a gathering, and who is in charge of putting up (and taking down) the decorations.
In addition to reducing the logistical burden around the holidays, senior living communities employ thoughtful safety precautions that give residents and families extra peace of mind. While they can be a joyful time of year, the weather around the holidays can be a safety hazard. Those living on their own may have to navigate icy sidewalks, cold-weather health risks, and challenges with home maintenance as temperatures drop. Senior and assisted living communities offer maintenance-free living and ensure pathways are free of ice and snow while providing access to on-site medical support. From safe personal spaces to cozy seating by common area fireplaces cared for by the community, friends and family can rest easy knowing their loved one is warm, safe, and well cared for.
With all the activities we usually associate with the holidays, it can feel impossible to make the transition during this time of year. However, moving now means new residents can settle into the community at an enjoyable time of year and start establishing new routines and friendships going into the new year. It’s also more practical to move before the holidays than after — you can avoid the colder parts of winter and the busier move-in times of spring and summer. In addition, many communities have more availability and seasonal specials around the holidays, which can make it easier for your loved one to join the community of their choosing.
How Families Can Support the Transition
Beginning the conversations about moving to a senior living or assisted living community may not feel comfortable, so start with gentle, low-pressure conversations. Note the benefits of moving before the holidays and how moving now can make the holidays even more enjoyable. Take the time to tour communities and experience what they have to offer and ask questions about everything from holiday celebrations to daily events and care options. Ensuring your loved one has the opportunity to decide on the community that best fits their needs can go a long way in helping them make the transition.
During this time, remind your loved one that the move isn’t just about their care. Senior living and assisted living communities provide opportunities for more connection with family and new friends, less daily stress, better mental and physical health, and the privilege of focusing on the joys of the holiday season.
Discover the Warmth of a VOANS Community
Everyone should be able to be around the people they care about during the holidays, experiencing the joy, thoughtful care, and companionship that this time of year brings. Moving to an assisted living or senior living community during this season ensures your loved one will be a part of a welcoming and warm community that is dedicated to their comfort and care — during the holidays and beyond. Experience the community and benefits firsthand by scheduling a tour or reaching out to VOANS for guidance on approaching the transition.
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