It’s the season of fun, friends and family, and we’re certainly getting in the holiday spirit at Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood! How is your holiday cheer? If it’s not exactly what you’ve been wishing for during this time of year, there’s still time to make it as fun as possible.
“During winter, many caregivers have a hard time planning fun events and activities for those with memory loss,” says Barbara Harrison, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood, a memory care assisted living community in Westwood, MA. “Often, they aren’t sure where to start, are afraid of how their loved one with memory loss will react or may not know how to tailor activities to their loved one’s needs,” Barbara says.
“Fortunately, we’re here to help. Many assisted living and memory care communities have programs for you and your loved one to enjoy while you attend a support group. This is a great way to get an inside look at what a community has to offer while learning tips that can help you care for them at home!”
Winter Activities for Those with Dementia
Whether you’re searching for some festive things to do, fun outdoor activities or simply some indoor inspiration to carry you through the rest of the winter season, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at some favorites we’ve compiled to make your season a success.
- Try Ice Skating. Did your loved one with memory loss ice skate as a child? If they are able, consider taking them on an outing to an ice-skating rink. This can help connect them with who they once were while being a fun excursion and opportunity for exercise for both of you.
- Make Snow Angels. Does your loved one enjoy playing in the snow? Dress warmly, learn more about the signs of frostbite and hypothermia, and get outside! From snow angels to simple footprints and handprints, it’s always fun to play around after freshly fallen snow!
- Drive To See Christmas Lights. From sparkling white lights and multicolor options to icicles and projection lights, the holidays are a great time to take a nice drive and take in the scenery. Many homes are well-lit and decorated for Christmas, and some areas may even have holiday light displays! Play some holiday music, take a drive and have fun bonding over the magic of the season.
- Go to a Christmas Concert. If your loved one is able, consider taking them to a holiday concert or orchestra performance where they can sing along, enjoy the sounds of the season and get a little music therapy.
- Try Christmas Caroling. Are there no concerts nearby? Christmas caroling can be fun, Even if your loved one only sings for you or you sing for them, it’s sure to bring some laughs and joy!
- Build Gingerbread Houses. These kits can be easily purchased at local stores but can provide hours of fun. Get a couple of kits for yourself, your loved one or any guests and have a gingerbread-house-creating party!
- Have a Holiday Movie Marathon. We all have our holiday movie favorites. Ask your loved one what theirs are and make a day of watching them! Take it up a notch by making a snack board, heating up some cocoa and having a pajama party!
- Do Winter Crafts. Whether you love glitter or prefer to stick with markers, paints and pencils, there are many opportunities to craft this season. Consider making your own holiday cards to drop off at senior care communities, make handmade gifts for loved ones, or simply enjoy some fun self-expression.
- Bring Snow Indoors. One of the best winter things to do, especially when you can’t get outside, is to bring winter indoors! How? Fill a dish with snow and build miniature snowmen, enjoy a sensory experience and skip the heavy layers of warm clothes! This is an activity many residents at senior living and long-term care communities enjoy!
- Bake Festive Treats Together. The smell of fresh-baked cookies is something many love about this season. Whether you bake them up and your loved one decorates them, or you both try your hand at baking old family recipes, it can be a great – and delicious – time for both of you.
Before planning activities this winter, be sure to keep your loved one’s abilities and needed levels of care in mind. If the weather is bad, take your activities indoors if possible. If they enjoy outings, plan them for a day where it will be nice out, with fewer fall hazards. Once you’ve considered this, set a plan, be flexible and enjoy your time with your loved one!
Need some additional support or want to see what’s going on within our own memory care community this season? Schedule a visit today! We’d be happy to show you around and share how our lifestyle can enhance your loved one’s holiday spirit and cheer!
Even better, our staff is trained to provide engaging, enriching programs tailored to your loved one’s preferences, needs and more – giving you the perfect gift of peace of mind! Contact us today!
Exceptional Care & Fulfilling Lifestyle
Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood provides memory care assisted living that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community offers a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – enriching the lives of our residents every day.
Inspiring Programs for All Stages
No matter what level of care or service is needed, residents and families can rest assured that our care and life-enrichment programs address the various stages of memory decline, allowing residents the opportunity to age in place.
Dedicated Memory Care
At Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood, our services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide a high level of personalized attention for residents in various stages of memory loss.
Bridges® by EPOCH is New England’s largest stand-alone memory care assisted living provider.
Contact us today to learn more.