a family at the holidays, making safer celebrations for all

Healthy Holidays – 6 Tips for Safer Celebrations

December 6, 2022

With the worst of the pandemic behind us, the 2022 holiday season is shaping up to be a happy one. This is especially true for residents in nursing homes or assisted living communities who missed out on family celebrations in past years. But while COVID-19 infections have dropped off significantly, threats to seniors’ health and well-being, like the flu and RSV, remain.

This year, residents can – and should – spend time with family and friends. While necessary safety precautions are not as intense as they have been over the last two years, it’s still important to be mindful when celebrations include vulnerable seniors. Here are some steps your facility can take:

  1. When visitors come to your facility to celebrate, it’s important that they understand the rules and follow them at all times. Rules, like when masks should be worn, should be posted where visitors can clearly see them.
  2. Visitors should be screened for signs of illness and should not visit if they’re not feeling well or have been exposed to someone who’s ill. Encourage them to visit virtually until they’re feeling better.
  3. Smaller groups are safer than crowds, so try to limit the number of people in common areas. In locations where weather permits, celebrating outdoors or opening windows can help prevent exposure to airborne viruses.
  4. Embrace risk-free activities your facility can do to spread holiday cheer– seasonal music, festive decorations, and holiday movies are all ways to help residents get into the holiday spirit.
  5. Stay up to date on vaccinations, including COVID boosters and flu shots. This is perhaps the most important thing both visitors and staff can do to help protect residents. The good news is that most facilities report high vaccination rates.
  6. Educate loved ones if residents plan to leave temporarily to spend time at a gathering. These settings can be great opportunities to connect but will expose the senior to more people – and risk – so share steps families can take to minimize the dangers like keeping celebrations small.

Why the Holidays are so Important to Seniors

  • The holidays bring good memories
    Childhood memories, family traditions, laughter, and celebration – the holidays are a time for sharing fond memories.
  • It’s a season to connect with family
    The holidays are a time to spend with loved ones – that connection is especially important to seniors.
  • It’s a time to connect spiritually
    For many people, the holidays have a deep spiritual meaning, which can help bring a sense of peace and well-being.