Holidays can be full of fun and joy, but for some, they are challenging and can amplify feelings of loneliness. If you reside in a senior living community, you may have concerns about where you will be for the holidays and whether you’ll be alone. The emotional weight of holidays differs for everyone. For some, a loved one has passed away, which means painfully facing the holidays without them. For others, sprawling, far-flung families can make getting together with relatives difficult. One of the beauties of Buckner Retirement Services is that you can still enjoy Thanksgiving with a community of people who care for you.
To learn about how to celebrate Thanksgiving in senior living, contact Buckner by calling 214.227.7182. We have six luxury locations in Texas and six care levels that balance independence and support to the degree that our residents need it. We are happy to answer questions for seniors and their families about how we can ensure a positive Thanksgiving experience.
Making Thanksgiving Plans
The week of Thanksgiving racks up the highest volume of US flights compared to all other weeks of the year. Some people start making their Thanksgiving plans during the summer. Other families eat turkey dinners three days in a row—or, repurpose it in some way. Some celebrate multiple Thanksgivings so they can spend quality time with families who live at a distance. And still others celebrate with chosen family—their friends.
Lots of seniors live without a spouse, and if they don’t have children or the rest of their extended family is out of travel distance, they’re at risk of spending the holidays alone. But if you live in a Buckner senior community, you will never have to be alone on Thanksgiving unless you choose.
Our dining service hosts Thanksgiving for residents and their families, and there are numerous ways to bring your family in and celebrate with us.
Celebrating Thanksgiving with Senior Residents
Family members who are able to travel to their senior loved one can enjoy a fabulous holiday at Buckner while celebrating Thanksgiving with senior residents. Some of the things family can do to help their loved one enjoy Thanksgiving in senior living are listed below:
- Help them decorate their apartment or room for the holiday. You can fill a bowl with festive fall gourds or hang a Thanksgiving-themed wreath in their living space.
- Join them for the holiday meal at their senior community. The chefs at Buckner are careful to make holiday meals healthy for the residents while being delicious and traditional.
- Bring family recipes to share, maybe something that will bring back warm memories of past holidays together.
- Work on a jigsaw puzzle together. This is a lovely way to visit and chat while focusing on a shared task.
- Play games like cards, Scrabble, or charades. Games and family often combine to create fun and laughter.
- Football fans may want to get together with other residents and watch the Thanksgiving game on TV in the community space.
- Use what you know of your senior to choose activities. If your senior family member is artistic, bring arts and crafts materials. If they are story tellers, ask if you can record their reminiscences on your phone. If they love movies, suggest a watch party.
Regardless of what you do or where you do it, being together on Thanksgiving is what’s important. Your senior family member will be grateful for the love and attention.
Join the Senior Living Community at Buckner Today
When you enjoy Thanksgiving in senior living with your family, the experience can be rewarding and meaningful. Whether you invite your senior family member to your home or travel to them in their Buckner senior community, the holiday will be memorable.
Reach out to Buckner Retirement Services to plan your Thanksgiving with your relative. We are glad to help. Submit this online form to connect with us, or simply dial 214.227.7182.