Why Christmas in a Care Home can be wonderful
People who will be spending Christmas in a care home, either as a permanent resident or for a period of respite, may have many questions such as ‘will it be like home?’.
In 2023, Age UK published a report which stated that 2.3 million older people wished they had someone to spend time with at Christmas, and 1.6 million found Christmas Day to be the hardest day of the year. Sharing it with other people in a care facility can overcome this but is just one reason why they choose to be there. Other reasons could be:
1. Colder weather and less daylight, meaning that vulnerable people spend more time at home and become isolated
2. The current cost of living crisis – worries about heating their home may make respite care an attractive option
3. Illness or accident – during winter respiratory illnesses and accidents through slips and falls are more likely, which could result in a hospital stay and a subsequent requirement for respite care
4. Because their regular carers and/or family are going to be away.
Care homes make a huge effort to make their residents feel comfortable and at home year-round, but at Christmas even more thought and work is put into the home’s activities, décor, and menus. It is usual during the festive season to have visits from Choirs, primary schools, even travelling theatres, who all arrive at the home to entertain residents and share festive cheer.
Activities also take on a Christmas theme, with cake baking and decorating and festive arts and crafts a fixture on most activities’ planners. There are also events such as parties and carol services to look forward to. On Christmas Day, some residents may choose to visit family but many remain at the home, with families coming to visit. So, no-one has to be lonely!
Christmas is a very special time of year at Elliscombe House. The large Orangery lends itself to celebrations such as carol services, pantomimes, and craft activities; and of course, the elegant surroundings look even more stunning when decorated with foliage and a tree to celebrate the season.
Elliscombe House often welcomes new residents at Christmas for a period of respite care, and they are given a warm welcome by the staff and existing residents whilst they enjoy the season in comfort.
A resident joining Elliscombe House for a respite stay will enjoy the same service and care as every permanent resident at the home. Their care needs will be assessed prior to their arrival to ensure that these can be met as part of the home’s person-centred approach to care; they will have their own private beautifully decorated room; and enjoy the same delicious meals prepared by the chef. They will also have the opportunity to take part in all the activities and events which the home’s activities team provides.
As Christmas draws near, there has never been a better time to consider making Elliscombe House a short-term or permanent home.
Comments