adopting a facility for holiday

[mbtsab]

I have presented to my company to adopt an assisted living facility for the holidays. What I have been brainstorming is how to buy gifts for the facility. the facility I have been in contact with is a 22 bed max capacity and private owned. I was thinking since its small, I could do like a wish list that the residents fill out- favorite color, favorite activity and something that they can always use.

this is my first time doing/organizing something like this for the elderly.

another idea I was thinking is having some caroling

my question is are there any guidelines I should be aware of? has anyone had experience in doing this or have known of people doing this---thanks everyone

[Cruella de ville]

Great idea, you may also think about trying to help the residents purchase gifts for their spouses or family left at home, it can be very hard living in a facility to go shopping and yet these are people who probably bought their family gifts every year.

Just my 2cents

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

This is a perfectly lovely idea. If there is an activities director, I'd call her to ask her what she thinks would most benefit the residents.

[mbtsab]

so I have come up with an outline---to tell you the truth, I am a little overwhelmed just making sure everything goes perfect.

stocking stuffers: Holiday socks and cross word books along with nail kits(polish for women), homemade ornaments that my little helper elves are going to make, and a Christmas card with candy cane

We are also going to purchase throw blankets for each resident.

I will bake a small treat to pass around

I also thought it would be fun to do some caroling, so my friend and I along with our kids and anyone else who wants to will sing(frosty the snow man, jingle bells and come o'ye faithful)

what do you think?

[quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN]

The only thing I can say is to call the activities director and find out when would be a good time to do this. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day would not be good times. Most facilities do a facility Christmas party on Christmas Eve and then the residents will have family in or go out with family the next few days.

[mbtsab]

yes, I have it set for December 18th :)