The holidays are a special time for celebrating with friends and family. Senior adults who live in a senior living community can still enjoy the holidays by being virtually close to their loved ones. There are many virtual Thanksgiving celebration ideas for seniors that allow them to feel like they are part of the festivities. This is an excellent way to celebrate and bring families together who can’t afford to travel or are sick.
With the holidays fast approaching, the residents at Calder Woods look forward to spending time with friends and family. Our team has put together several senior Thanksgiving celebration ideas, from decorating the community to hosting virtual sessions so that they can spend time with their loved ones.
To see what our senior living services are like, call 409.407.7636 today to speak with our compassionate team.
How To Celebrate Thanksgiving with Seniors
Celebrating Thanksgiving is a special time for family. They come together to celebrate, give thanks for everything they have, and catch up with family members who live far away. However, senior adults living in a senior living community may not be able to travel and may miss out on all the fun and good food.
There are several ways that seniors can enjoy the holidays and make the most out of this time. They can decorate their room with fall colors and other decorative items, play games, share stories with others, and much more.
Other ways that you can help seniors celebrate Thanksgiving include:
- You can create a festive atmosphere by hanging fall colors to get them in the spirit of the holidays.
- Encourage them to participate in community events so they are not alone during this time.
- Create a gratitude tree.
- Enjoy a special meal with them while reminiscing about past holiday events.
- Make decorations that you can hang or give to children and grandchildren.
- Listening to holiday music can help put them in the holiday spirit.
- Host a virtual Thanksgiving so they can be a part of the fun.
At Calder Woods, we will show you how to celebrate Thanksgiving with seniors so that everyone can enjoy this special time of year. Our community features virtual celebrations for those family members who cannot be there but still want to connect and be a part of the celebration.
Virtual Thanksgiving Celebration Ideas for Seniors
Hosting a virtual Thanksgiving celebration is simple these days, and it can help family and friends be there for the festivities. You will need a stable internet connection, a video camera that records audio, a tripod, and a computer with video conferencing software like Google Hangouts, Facetime, or Zoom.
Here are some virtual Thanksgiving celebration ideas for seniors:
Create a Gratitude Tree
A gratitude tree is a fun arts and crafts project that senior adults can do during the holidays. Find a branch and place it in a vase or flower stand. Use colored paper to cut out leaves where they can:
- Write down some favorite phrases, words, or poems
- Attach photos of family and friends.
- Attach favorite keepsakes
You can hang anything that makes them happy on a gratitude tree.
Bring Them Into the Kitchen
If you have a tablet or iPad, you can have your parents be a part of the cooking. Have them find a favorite recipe they like to do, and you can make the dish together.
Virtual Games and Reminiscing
Gather the family around the table for games and catching up before dinner. Break out a family-favorite board or card game, like Sorry or Monopoly. Spend time talking about past holidays or current events, and it will be like they are there in person.
Eating Dinner
Gather everyone around the table to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. Coordinate with seniors so that you can eat dinner at the same time.
Play a Favorite Movie
This is a great time to watch a holiday movie together. Some classic Thanksgiving movies to watch include:
- Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
- A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
- Miracle on 34th Street
- Home for the Holidays
- Pieces of April
Watching a movie together is a great after-dinner activity and can give everyone time to talk to loved ones.
These senior Thanksgiving celebration ideas are easy to incorporate into regular holiday activities. Seniors can participate virtually and chat with family members and friends just like they are really there.
Call Calder Woods Today for Our Senior Living Services
Calder Woods is a full-service senior living community that welcomes Texas seniors who are looking for a senior community to call home. We have independent and assisted living programs where seniors can remotely connect with their families and friends and still enjoy the holidays.
If you are considering moving into our senior community, please get in touch with Calder Woods online or call 409.407.7636 today to schedule a tour and consultation.