Facilities for Alzheimer's

How Facilities for Alzheimer’s Celebrate the Holidays Beyond Christmas

Exploring Holidays Beyond Christmas

While Christmas is probably the most celebrated holiday, celebrations like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year are also commemorated to honor the diverse community of residents in facilities for Alzheimer’s. Celebrating these holidays would allow residents to acknowledge each unique tradition and background. Exploring other Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year fosters empathy and brings joy to senior residents while at the same time learning and understanding their stories.

Hannukah, or the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day celebration commemorating the re-dedication of the second temple in Jerusalem. Jewish families gather to light a candle each night and enjoy traditional Jewish food. Hannukah is all about God’s providence and protection of the Jewish people. This Jewish holiday is also about standing up for what is right, resilience, and faith.

Meanwhile, Kwanzaa is an African holiday from December 26 to January 01, created by African scholar and activist Maulana Karenga in 1966. For Kwanza, you light a Kinara, a wooden candle holder with each candle representing the seven principles: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Economic Cooperation, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. Emphasizing and honoring its African heritage, Kwanzaa is all about feast, music, and storytelling.

Who does not celebrate New Year? This global holiday marks fresh beginnings, a time of hope and optimism. New Year is all about setting new goals, correcting past mistakes, dreaming big, and looking forward to continuing life with renewed faith. Parties, music, countdowns, and fireworks are often associated with New Year celebrations.

These holidays are unique and beautiful. They are meant to be shared with families and loved ones, including those in Alzheimer’s facilities.

How Facilities for Alzheimer’s Can Create Inclusive Celebrations

Assisted living communities must embrace residents’ diverse cultures to create a welcoming and inclusive environment. These holiday festivities allow residents to socialize and feel happy and included, combating loneliness and isolation. Including these festivities in the yearly activities shows respect for diversity and fosters a feeling of belonging.

Memory care facilities can learn about their residents’ diverse backgrounds through surveys, open talks, or direct speaking with them. This way, management and staff can design and prepare events appropriate for each holiday, including decorations, activities, performances, sessions, and other related programs.

Remember to actively seek feedback from residents to improve future events. Creating an inclusive environment for residents promotes and strengthens relationships, creating a sense of unity that contributes to well-being.

Engaging residents in learning and sharing

Embracing diversity allows each one to celebrate each one’s unique religious and non-religious practices. Residents should not hold back in fear of discrimination. Instead, residents in facilities for Alzheimer’s must feel comfortable and welcomed regardless of age, color, background, religious beliefs, or nationality.

Residents must feel comfortable sharing and engaging, fostering connection and understanding. Memory care facilities can organize cultural nights, storytelling sessions, and food festivals to encourage residents to share and showcase their unique culture and traditions.

Arts and crafts, learning a new language, or themed events would encourage residents to participate, spark new interest, and provide fresh perspectives.

Fun and Value for Everyone in Facilities for Alzheimer’s

By promoting sharing and learning, facilities for Alzheimer’s offer an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels valued. Learn about life at OxBow Living by clicking here!


Oxbow Living offers Assisted Living & Memory Care out of Nebraska and to the Surrounding Cities: Ashland, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Elmwood, Ithaca, Mead

Senior Housing Ashland NE

Plan the Best Holiday Party in Senior Housing Ashland NE

Steps to planning a successful party

The holiday season is here, and everyone is excited to celebrate it with loved ones. But residents in senior housing Ashland NE might not feel the same way. Being away from loved ones and home can be lonely for some seniors, leading to depression and isolation.

Families and carers are vital in making the holidays memorable and meaningful. Whether taking care of their daily needs or being there to listen, they are important in ensuring that every day and the holiday season are something to look forward to.

But before anything else, careful planning is key to a successful party.  A well-planned event reduces stress, enhances everyone’s experience, and makes the celebration memorable. So, here are simple ways to celebrate with your loved ones in senior housing.

  • First, make the environment festive. Choose a theme for the decorations and incorporate personal touches.
  • Contact family members, encourage everyone to participate, and visit loved ones if possible. Other than presents and decorations, time is the most valuable gift.
  • Prepare a hearty meal for everyone to enjoy. Add family-treasured recipes that would stir up conversations and evoke memories. But be mindful of the dietary restrictions.
  • Make a list of the activities your loved one would like to do. Always consider their preferences and conditions. This will help you narrow the options and find activities to make the celebration more meaningful and enjoyable.
  • Ensure that the place is comfortable and everything is accessible, particularly for residents with mobility impairments.

Ensuring inclusivity and accessibility

  • Inclusivity and accessibility are two essential aspects that cannot be overlooked. However, since some seniors face challenges in health, accessibility, and diverse preferences, staff and organizers must know how to entertain their guests.
  • The venue must be wheelchair-friendly, with seating and ramps.  It should also be accessible to all attendees.
  • Get everyone involved. Encourage residents to participate in decorating dining halls and common areas. Allow them to be creative in decorating their personal spaces.
  • Ask for suggestions on themes, music, food, and activities to create a festive atmosphere. Knowing their preferences ensures the program is inclusive and enjoyable.
  • Invite family and friends to come and join senior housing Ashland NE organized celebrations to strengthen the bond between residents and their families while at the same time promoting a sense of togetherness.
  • Also, invite community members or collaborate with community organizations to promote connection and create a vibrant community.
  • Offer menus that cater to the diverse preferences and dietary needs of residents. You may also include traditional dishes to create a sense of familiarity.
  • Staff must be available throughout the celebration to assist when needed.

Involving the community and families

Being in senior housing Ashland NE should not be a reason for families not to enjoy the holidays together. It just needs careful planning to balance the personal and professional life, allowing families to celebrate together.

  • Put up holiday decorations together and make personal spaces more festive.
  • Make holiday-themed arts and crafts together. You explore your creative sides and bond with your loved ones.
  • Bring family members, grandchildren, neighbors, or friends to visit loved ones. Seeing familiar faces will make them happy and reminisce about past celebrations.
  • Cook or bake your favorite holiday meal or treats. Bond in the kitchen, share stories about what you love most about the holidays, etc.
  • Continue family traditions and create new ones. Document these by taking photos and videos, something everyone can watch and relive for future generations.

Click here to learn about life at OxBow Living!


Oxbow Living offers Assisted Living & Memory Care out of Nebraska and to the Surrounding Cities: Ashland, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Elmwood, Ithaca, Mead