As households across the UK embark on weeks of Christmas and New Year celebrations, now is the perfect time to reflect on how care homes can make holidays special for residents and visitors all year round.

While these festivities symbolise joy and happiness for many, they can pose challenges for residents who have experienced loss or are feeling disappointed that they can’t celebrate in their own homes. These times can also be difficult for family members, as they adjust to spending the festive season without their loved one.

 

Decorating For Christmas in a Care Home

Care homes that celebrate annual holidays will usually decorate communal areas such as dining rooms and living areas with festive decor.

In the days leading up to Christmas, one of the most cherished activities for care home residents is decorating their rooms with loved ones.

Hanging up handmade decorations with sentimental value or proudly displaying Christmas cards on the dresser are simple yet meaningful acts. These moments serve as a delightful way to uphold family traditions.

The beauty of these activities extends beyond December, offering opportunities for residents and their relatives to create lasting memories throughout the year. These decorations, whether it’s Easter art by a grandchild or a heartfelt Valentine’s Day card, are constant reminders of the love shared within their families.

Christmas Care Home Activities

While several of these activities are tailored to Christmas, they can easily be adapted to suit various celebratory occasions throughout the year.

 

Singing

Music really does have a remarkable power to bring people together, particularly during the festive season. Organising group sing-alongs provides a wonderful opportunity to bring together residents and their families in a joyous celebration that is accessible to many.

 

Watching Films

The familiarity of old films or TV programmes can be comforting for residents, particularly if they have a limited concentration span or find it challenging to follow dialogue on TV.

Classic Christmas films like It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street are sure to be crowd-pleasers during the festive season.

 

Christmas Crafts

Engaging in arts and crafts activities has demonstrated positive effects on cognitive ability, contributing to reduced stress, pain and blood pressure levels.

From crafting DIY Christmas cards for relatives to making adorable tree ornaments for the communal living space or as gifts for loved ones, there are so many ways elderly residents can partake in the festivities. Some of our favourite ideas include:

 
  • Ribbon Tree Ornaments
    To make your decorations, all you’ll need is ribbon scraps, sticks and yarn. Start by lining your ribbon scraps from shortest to longest. Then, starting with the shortest ones at the top, move your way down, tying the ribbons around the stick. Finish up by wrapping some twine yarn around the top of your tree.
 
  • Christmas Collage
    Cut out some festive images from last year’s cards, wrapping paper or napkins and use them to create beautiful festive collages. These could be used to create stunning Christmas cards for family and friends, room decorations or tree ornaments. 

What to Get Someone in a Nursing Home For Christmas

Whether you’re on the hunt for that ideal last-minute Christmas gift or aiming to treat a loved one on an upcoming birthday, figuring out what to buy for someone in a care home can be a bit challenging. We suggest considering gifts such as:

  • Slippers
    A perfect gift for anyone during the colder months, slippers are particularly appreciated by residents in care homes as they need to be worn more often. 
  • Toiletries
    Everyone loves feeling pampered. Let your loved one feel cared for by gifting them some of their favourite soaps, shampoos and body lotions. 
  • Clothing
    Residents often find it challenging, and at times impossible, to manage their own shopping. Ensuring they have a steady supply of comfortable cardigans, trousers, shirts, and socks is a thoughtful gesture that is sure to be appreciated. 
  • Blanket
    Elderly people often feel the cold. A quilt or blanket can add a homely feel to your loved one’s room, while also keeping them warm. Whether you buy or make it, we recommend ensuring it’s lightweight but warm and easy to wash. 
  • Photo Album/Memory Box
    A great way to reminisce with your family member, a photo album can help to jog their memory and encourage conversation. 

Celebrating Christmas in a Care Home

At Jackman’s Lodge, we believe that life inside our facility should be a continuation of life at home. That’s why we do all we can to ensure the people we care for enjoy the festive period, spending time with loved ones and partaking in seasonal activities.

If you’re apprehensive about your relative spending a public holiday like Christmas in a care home, or are keen to find out whether Jackman’s Lodge might be the ideal care home for yourself or a family member, please get in touch. Call us on 01483 694339 and speak to one of our dedicated team members today. We look forward to welcoming you.