With COVID-19 and influenza brewing, how can we keep our residents from becoming depressed and feeling lonely over the holidays if they can’t be with their families?

This holiday season is uncertain, and residents’ psychosocial needs may be different this year than during past holidays. To help keep residents’ spirits up, think about ways to evoke the sights, sounds and smells of the holidays. 

As much as possible, facility staff should incorporate normal holiday elements. Play the residents’ favorite holiday music. Holiday lights often trigger a positive response, so decorate the facility and resident rooms festively. Ask family members to share their loved one’s holiday traditions and try to replicate them. 

Since many traditions involve holiday foods, provide some of these favorite meals. If residents cannot have food brought in, offer to make some traditional favorites. Look for ways to include residents in all these efforts. As practical, invite them to help decorate, bake or spread cheer.

Although this holiday season will be unlike any before, many activities can be adapted. If in-person visits are limited, plan virtual parties. Work with family members to schedule residents’ remote participation in family holiday parties. 

Provide entertainment using technology. Play holiday movies or live-stream caroling, concerts or religious ceremonies. 

Weather permitting, plan a holiday parade. Encourage family members and staff to decorate cars and drive through where residents can see.  

Ultimately, ask residents how they want to celebrate and how staff can help them meet these goals. Although COVID-19 will affect this holiday season, there are still reasons to celebrate and ways to make the season brighter.