As the holiday season approaches, families across the country come together to celebrate and spend time with loved ones. For many adult children, this time also provides an opportunity to assess their aging parents’ wellbeing and living arrangements. If you are considering assisted living for your aging parents, the holidays may be the perfect time to explore and evaluate different options. In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons why the holidays are the best time to explore assisted living homes for your aging parents.
Discuss the Future
During the holidays, families come together and spend time in each other’s company. This presents an opportunity to discuss your parents’ future and to evaluate their living arrangements. Having this conversation in a supportive and loving environment can help ease the transition to assisted living if necessary.
Parents’ Behavior and Health
Holidays can be a stressful time for anyone, but they can be especially challenging for seniors. The stress of the holiday season can exacerbate underlying health issues, and family members may notice changes in their parents’ behavior and health. These changes can serve as warning signs that it’s time to explore assisted living options.
Special Holiday Programs
Many assisted living communities offer special holiday programs for their residents, providing opportunities for families to experience the community firsthand. These programs can include festive meals, performances, and activities. By participating in these events, families can assess the quality of care and support provided at the community and whether it’s a good fit for their parents.
Staffing Levels
Assisted living communities often increase their staffing levels during the holiday season to accommodate the influx of visitors and activities. This provides an opportunity to see how community’s team members interact with the residents and whether they provide the level of care and attention your parents need.
Resident Interactions
The holiday season can bring out the best in people, and assisted living communities are no exception. By visiting assisted living communities during the holidays, you can observe how residents interact with each other and whether they are engaged in activities that are meaningful to them. You can also see what special holiday programs the community offers.
Alleviate Guilt and Anxiety
Many adult children feel guilty about considering assisted living for their parents. The holiday season can bring up feelings of guilt and anxiety, as family members may feel like they are abandoning their parents. Visiting assisted living communities during the holidays can help alleviate these feelings, as it provides an opportunity to see the quality of care and support that their parents would receive.
The holiday season can be a stressful time for families, especially when it comes to caring for aging parents. However, the holidays can also be the best time to explore assisted living communities for your parents. Don’t let the holiday season pass you by without exploring the options available to your aging parents. With the right support, your loved ones can enjoy the holidays and the years to come with comfort, safety, and dignity.
