Visiting During the Holidays
The holidays are a wonderful time to take a look at senior living communities. It tends to be a festive and very welcoming time of year, where loved ones can get a true idea of what it would be like to live in an assisted living community and experience some of the cheer that comes with community living. If you’d like to schedule a visit or tour one of the Waterford Communities, we’d be happy to chat and show you around. For more information and pictures of holiday happenings, take a look at our Facebook page, too!
Below is a list we extracted from “A Place for Mom” article to give you some additional points to think about.
Reasons to Visit Senior Living Communities During the Holidays
Even if you’re not sure a senior living community is in your future, it’s prudent to see the communities in your area in case an unexpected need arises. The winter holiday season is among the best times to visit a local senior community. Here are five reasons why:
1. The Welcoming Atmosphere
Senior living communities always strive to foster a welcoming atmosphere, but during the holidays, adorned with holiday decorations and lights, the ambiance of senior communities is particularly warm and inviting. From residents who have that extra cheer to the smell of fresh pine from the Christmas tree, senior communities shine bright during the holidays.
2. The Family is Together
For many families, the holidays are one of the only times of the year that adult children are together with their elderly parents for an extended period. This makes the holidays an optimal time for many families to visit senior communities. It allows seniors and their loved ones to visit the community together so that the whole family can assess the compatibility of the community rather than just one family member.
3. Plenty of Activities
Assisted living communities provide an abundance of holiday related activities such as classical Christmas tree lightings, holiday music by visiting performers, holiday socials and holiday themed crafting classes.
For example, Sunrise Senior Living at River Road in Tucson, Arizona starts decorating the day after Thanksgiving and plans activities through the new year. “We do a tree lighting during the first week where we invite all of the family members, residents and team members, then the Executive Director lights the tree and places the angel on top,” shares Director of Sales, Shelley Harris. “We also light the Menorah on the first day of Hanukkah, and do a nightly prayer and lighting. Then, on New Year’s Eve we’re hosting a Masquerade open house and toasting the new year together. Families, friends professionals, residents and department heads are all a part of this fun evening featuring board games, hors d’oeuvres, sparkling cider and champagne.”
4. The Perfect Time for Seniors to Visit
Visiting a senior community for a holiday event or activity can be a good introduction to senior living, especially for seniors who may be somewhat leery of the idea of moving to a senior community. Since holiday events are centered around music, children, food, family and fellowship, our loved ones are less likely to feel pressured or singled out when they visit during this time.
5. Holiday Specials
If you are beyond the research phase and nearing the point when you need to choose a senior community, you may be pleased to hear many senior communities offer special incentives and discounts to new residents who move-in during December. These incentives can include concessions such as rent freezes, a free month or discounted rent.
