Tips for Including Seniors In Thanksgiving Preparations


As Thanksgiving approaches, it's essential to remember that the holiday is about gratitude, family, and inclusion. Often, we need to pay more attention to the contribution of our elders, especially those in specialized living arrangements. Whether they reside in assisted living in Lakewood, enjoy the ambiance of senior living in Lakewood, or are part of the community at memory care in Lakewood, they have a lifetime of experience and love to offer.

Here are some great ways to ensure our seniors are actively included in the Thanksgiving preparations:

  1. Storytelling and Tradition Sharing: Invite seniors to share Thanksgiving stories from their youth. This keeps them engaged and imparts invaluable family traditions and histories to the younger generation.
  2. Recipe Incorporation: Many seniors have family recipes that have been passed down. Collaborate with them to incorporate these dishes into the Thanksgiving feast. Those at assisted living in Lakewood or other homes might even have communal recipes to share!
  3. Decor Crafting: Crafting can be therapeutic and fun for seniors. Involve them in making table centerpieces, door wreaths, or simple paper turkeys. It's a great way to bond and create together.
  4. Invite Participation: If they're up for it, seniors can help with less strenuous cooking activities - peeling potatoes, stirring the gravy, or setting the table. Every bit of involvement makes them feel valued.
  5. Memory Lane Walk: For those in memory care in Lakewood, revisiting old family Thanksgiving photos can be both nostalgic and engaging. It might even spark memories and stories long forgotten.
  6. Involve Them in Blessings: Before the meal, a senior can lead the family in saying grace, expressing gratitude, or even sharing a brief message of love and togetherness.
  7. Music and Songs: Seniors often have a repertoire of songs and hymns from their past. Singing traditional Thanksgiving songs or hymns with them, especially those from seniors living in Lakewood, can elevate the festive mood.
  8. Gratitude Sharing: Encourage seniors to share what they're thankful for. Their perspective, shaped by a wealth of experience, can offer profound insights and touching moments.
  9. Plan Visits: If you have family or friends in assisted living or memory care facilities, plan visits around Thanksgiving. A video call can bridge the distance and bring joy if an actual visit isn't feasible.
  10. Encourage Feedback: After the preparations and celebrations, take a moment to sit with seniors and ask for their feedback. What did they enjoy the most? What would they like to see next year? This reinforces their importance in family events and decision-making.
Remember, the essence of Thanksgiving lies in togetherness and gratitude. Ensuring our seniors feel included and cherished, no matter where they reside or the care they receive, only amplifies the holiday spirit.

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