Mother’s Day is coming right up, and businesses everywhere are ready to sell flowers, jewelry, gift cards, and special experiences. If your mom is in a facility, however, the holiday might look different. With a little planning, you can make this Mother’s Day as special as any other.
Thoughtful Gifts
If you’ve recently moved mom or another family member into a personal care or skilled nursing facility, Mother’s Day can be a great opportunity to provide something for their space. If you have an old family photo, consider having it nicely framed or printed as a canvas wall hanging. There are also professional services that can print photos on mugs, blankets, pillows, and a wide variety of other household items. For families spread far and wide, electronic photo frames can allow multiple family members to add photos so everyone can keep Mom up to date on the latest family adventures.
Small comfort items can also help brighten Mom’s day as she goes through her daily routine. Soft blankets, a comfortable sweater, and large-print books are all great options for practical gifts. For foodie moms, consider a gift basket of her favorite snacks, especially those from shops she used to visit. Fake flower arrangements and door hangers can also add a touch of life to a space without requiring extra care.
Planning an Outing
Many families choose to take Mom out for lunch or dinner on Mother’s Day. Keeping a few things in mind will help make the outing safe and stress-free.
Make reservations ahead of time, especially if you are dining in a large group. Reservations are not always an option, but many restaurants also have a seated area to wait if necessary. If Mom uses a walker or wheelchair, you may also want to ensure the restaurant has accessible parking and an easy way to enter. Stairs, curbs, and rough parking lots can all be challenging to navigate for people with limited mobility.
While making your plans, also be sure to let the facility know you’re taking Mom out. Nursing staff can be prepared ahead of time with anything Mom might need, and dietary can be notified she will not need a meal. This is also an opportunity to check if there are any dietary restrictions in place or specific care needs you can expect to encounter during your outing.
Planning a Day In
Sometimes a day out simply isn’t a viable option. Spending a day at the facility where your mom resides might not seem ideal, but there are plenty of ways
to make the best of it.
Ask the facility if there is a room you can reserve for a family gathering. On holidays like Mother’s Day, these spaces might be in high demand, so try to be flexible in your plans. It might be easier to schedule a visit before or after the holiday.
Bring along something to help Mom feel special. Go through a photo album, play a board game, or watch a movie together. Depending on the type of fac
ility, you may also be permitted to bring in outside food for a family meal.
No matter what you plan for Mother’s Day, Mom is sure to appreciate a visit. With a little extra effort, you can ensure a safe and easy day she’s sure to love.
Aging Well is an ongoing series of blogs written by Audrey J. Ross, Director of Marketing and Admissions at Elan Gardens Senior Living.
