This holiday season was a “wonderful time of the year” for the dear friends the Lady-Links visit in the memory care section of our retirement community. With a little help from family and friends and the wonderful staff who support us, we had a Christmas party that was enjoyable for everyone. We made a few modifications from the Christmas party we had last week with our dear friends in various stages of cognitive decline who live in the independent living section. Although different approaches, the outcome was the same: a wonderful celebration.
At both parties, we had Christmas music, activities, and refreshments. The difference was that for our memory care residents we had
- a smaller gathering
- less noise and activity
- easy to handle refreshments, and
- a shortened time frame.
We chose familiar Christmas songs and carols, played by one of our dear friends with help from a Lady-Link.
We shared memories of our childhood Christmas seasons, with responses made easier because we gave prompts in the form of topics:
- Special foods associated with Christmas (fudge was a common one)
- Favorite toys we received (dolls were a favorite)
- Activities centered around the season (decorating the tree, wrapping presents, shoveling snow, making snowmen and igloos)
Christmas cookies were served. They were much easier to handle than cake.
We saved time for one-on-one conversation with plenty of laughter!
Party favors were a big hit! These ornaments were made prior to the party by the Lady-Links and their dear friends who reside in the independent living section of our community. Additional ornaments were distributed after the party throughout assisted living and memory care.
Our celebration was successfully accomplished in a brief time frame of about 45 minutes. Making modifications with activities, refreshments and time helped everyone enjoy the party.
The Lady-Links are always thankful for husbands and families who help us enrich the lives of our dear friends.
Merry Christmas!
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