Decorating for the holidays is a cherished tradition that can bring joy, warmth, and a sense of togetherness to any community. In a long-term care setting like Shaughnessy Seniors Community, these simple gestures hold even more significance. Creating a festive and engaging environment offers both emotional and physical benefits for residents while fostering a sense of home and belonging.
Our boutique-style retirement residence located in downtown Port Coquitlam, BC, is able to provide exceptional personalized care with 24/7 accredited nursing staff. Our residents can benefit from individualized care plans and attention to detail thanks to our small and mighty team, many of whom have been a part of our community for over 10 years. Our residents’ comfort and well-being is our top priority, even down to how we celebrate the seasons and holidays.
Here are a few key benefits of decorating for holidays in long-term care communities like Shaughnessy, where each resident’s voice and preferences are central to our approach.
Creating a Sense of Home
At Shaughnessy Seniors Community, we understand that the transition to long-term care can be a major life change. One of the best ways to help residents feel more at home is by maintaining a familiar and festive environment during the holidays. Whether it’s decorating for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or other special occasions, holiday decor can evoke pleasant memories of past celebrations and bring a sense of nostalgia.
Decorating a community residence like Shaughnessy also contributes to a warm, welcoming atmosphere that helps residents feel like they are part of a family. The comfort of a festive, well-decorated space can make a world of difference, especially for those who may be celebrating holidays in a new environment.
Emotional Wellbeing and Engagement
Holidays are an important time to come together, and for seniors living in long-term care, it can sometimes be challenging to engage with the outside world. At Shaughnessy, we prioritize engaging activities for our residents, and decorating for the holidays offers an opportunity for social interaction and emotional support.
Decorating the common areas, individual rooms, and hallways allows residents to participate in the process, through making choices about colours, themes, and decorations. This collaborative approach enhances the sense of community, giving residents the chance to connect with one another and the staff. The act of decorating itself can be a fun, low-stress activity that brings people together, reduces feelings of isolation, and promotes a sense of accomplishment.
Holiday decor also brightens the physical environment, providing visual stimulation that can help improve mood and encourage positive feelings during what can sometimes be a lonely or difficult time of year.
Cognitive and Physical Benefits
Participating in holiday activities, including decorating, offers cognitive and physical benefits as well. For seniors, staying active is important, and the simple task of helping to put up decorations can provide light physical exercise that enhances coordination and mobility. At Shaughnessy Seniors Community, our staff are skilled in assisting residents with activities that promote physical health, always ensuring that tasks are safe and appropriate for each individual.
Engaging in creative tasks like decorating can also provide cognitive stimulation. The process of selecting decor items, discussing holiday themes, and reminiscing about past celebrations can help spark memories and enhance cognitive function. For seniors in long-term care, these types of mental exercises are crucial for maintaining brain health and preventing cognitive decline.
Fostering a Sense of Community
At Shaughnessy, we believe in the importance of creating a strong sense of community for our residents. Holiday decorations play an important role in this effort, bringing people together to celebrate shared traditions and fostering a sense of belonging. Residents can gather to admire the decorations, share stories of their own family traditions, and celebrate the season together.
Our staff, many of whom have been part of the Shaughnessy family for over a decade, know the importance of providing personalized care and attention to every resident. This includes incorporating meaningful holiday traditions into the daily lives of our residents. By celebrating holidays with thoughtful decorations and events, we ensure that every resident feels valued and connected to the community around them.
Making Family Visits More Enjoyable
Holidays are a time when family members often come to visit their loved ones in long-term care. A beautifully decorated space enhances the overall experience, creating a welcoming environment for families. We strive to make every aspect of life enjoyable for our residents and their families, and holiday decor plays a big part in that.
Decorating for the holidays not only brightens the space for residents but also makes family visits more festive and meaningful. A well-decorated environment can evoke feelings of joy and nostalgia for both residents and their visitors, making the time spent together even more special. We encourage anyone considering Shaughnessy for their next move to book a tour and have a look for themselves at our beautiful holiday decor.
Decorating for Every Occasion
At Shaughnessy Seniors Community, we don’t limit our celebrations to just the major holidays. From Halloween to Valentine’s Day to New Year’s Eve, we believe that every occasion is an opportunity to make our community feel festive and joyful. Each holiday brings new themes, colours, and decorations, ensuring that there’s always something to look forward to.
Our Respite Program, which offers short-term stays for those who need extra support, also benefits from this festive atmosphere. Whether a resident is staying with us for a short period or long-term, they are always welcomed into a bright, engaging environment that feels like home.
Participate in holiday cheer at Shaughnessy Seniors Community
At Shaughnessy Seniors Community, we believe that holiday decor does more than just brighten up a space – it enhances the lives of our residents. By creating a festive environment, we foster a sense of home, support emotional and cognitive well-being, and bring our community closer together. With personalized care and a focus on enriching daily living, Shaughnessy ensures that every resident feels valued, supported, and connected, especially during the holiday season.
If you’d like to learn more about our long-term care services or our Respite Program, visit our website or contact us today to book a tour.