The decorations are out, the shelves are stocked with gingerbread and tinsel, and Secret Santa wish lists are out, so it’s safe to say Christmas is well and truly here. While this is a time many people love, it can also be the time of year where we should stop to reflect on the situation our loved ones are in, and the isolation it can sometimes bring. If this is their first Christmas in an aged care home, it may be the case that some extra TLC is required to ease the transition from what they’ve been used to in the past to the present situation.
One of the areas of care in our home we pride ourselves in is making our residents feel part of a community and not simply a name and number in an aged care home.
Here are some of the ways we will be celebrating Christmas this year, and the type of festive spirit we’ll be creating.
Check out our Christmas calendar
Our changing activity calendar is known among our home and families as the go-to resource for what’s happening over the festive period. You’ll find details about when our residents can spend time with one another, whether it’s on a bus outing, with special performers or weekly activities such as bingo and happy hour. While these are popular activities each week, at this time of year we amp it up and add some festive sparkle for good measure. Think themed bingo nights, Christmas carols from visiting musical special guests and of course, happy hour with some festive eggnog and other Christmassy drinks…
Getting busy with Christmas baking
While we have a regular dedicated baking morning once a week, we will be swapping scones for some gingerbread or shortbread to get into the baking spirit. For avid bakers, this is a popular time of year to get into the kitchen and stir up some sweets as gifts or to prepare for the big day. Even for newbies it’s a wonderful way to learn new skills and practise these recipes for future special occasions. Baking is such a rewarding activity for our residents and a great way of fine tuning their fine motor skills, and of course tasting the treats is what makes this group a popular one. The only question is this – to share or reach for seconds?
Stars of the silver screen
We love movie nights in our home, and getting cosy and watching some Christmas movies is a favourite pastime for many families of all ages. While it may have been a family tradition in their own home for many years, there’s no reason this needs to end once you move into aged care. We love putting on some of the classics and our residents can relax and enjoy what’s being shown. We have large communal areas which make for the perfect movie night. The hardest part is deciding which movie to play…
Feasting at Karingal Green on Christmas Day
On Christmas Day, we’re lucky enough to have staff working around the clock to make our residents feel well looked after and catered for. This means our residents are able to enjoy a delightful Christmas spread, featuring all of the trimmings. Think roast meat, veg and of course delicious desserts too. Add some Christmas hats, crackers, decorations and a visit from a certain Santa Claus, and it’s a fantastic occasion.
Deck the halls
When you come to visit your loved one, you will be welcomed by a huge Christmas tree in the main area, wreaths and some gorgeous decorations and trinkets throughout the home. We love setting up the home this time of year and adding some festive cheer, as it really helps everyone get in the mood but also brings about fond memories our residents may have about this time of year from previous years. From the cafe to bedrooms, we invite everyone to add their own Christmas cards or belongings.
Christmas at Karingal is the most wonderful time of the year and we welcome friends and family of loved ones to come and visit and spend this special time of year together.