Welcome to Christmas 2023. It is hard to believe another year is coming to an end. Christmas can be both a very happy and sad occasion for many people. This is especially true for the residents we work with at the nursing home
Mixed emotions for those that are long term residents
Our long term residents can have some very mixed emotions when it comes to the Christmas holiday. There is some joy and happiness with all the parties and visits from Santa. You might even have a visit from the Grinch!
There is also the lineup of families reserving the different social spaces for families to get together. There are also those that are able to take their family members out for the day on Christmas when they are able to give the proper assistance.
Unfortunately there are also some sad emotions brought up by the holiday. Some have feelings of sadness of those that have passed away before them. Some have more recent sadness if this is the first Christmas without a loved one like a spouse.
There are also the residents that don’t have family that are able to visit on Christmas. They could be living farther away or maybe have their own medical problems.
Mixed emotions for our short term residents
For our short term residents it can be a very disappointing Christmas season. These people were out living their life and ready to do their usual Christmas routine. Unfortunately something happened like a fall or illness that upended their life and brought them in for rehabilitation.
They are in the unfortunate situation where suddenly their plans are completely changed. They went from making family plans or travel plans to now being requiring help in a Nursing home. This could very well be the very first time that they are unable to do their usual Christmas routine. This can be very challenging for them emotionally.
Difficult for staff also
Life in a Nursing home happens 24 hours a day 7 days a week and 52 weeks a year. There is no such thing as a holiday when someone needs care to survive.
Well in order for that to happen there has to be staff members working on holidays to care for these residents. There are nurses, CNA’S, dietary staff, housekeeping, and even Therapy working on that day. They need care and care needs to be delivered.
These staff members are not spending time with their families like many other people are. They are at work and working hard to care for another person. Sometimes people who do not have the experience of either working in a Nursing home or have family that does, truely understand that there are no holidays in this aspect of Healthcare.
Do not take anything for granted
So let’s remember to applaud those that are working, be supportive of the residents that are without family, and remember how quickly life can change for everyone. So remember to cherish every moment that you have, and make the best of any situation you find yourself in. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
