Holidays at senior living communities can look a little different than they used to. However, Father’s Day is still an important holiday for many seniors. They might miss their children and grandchildren and the days before becoming an “empty nester”. Luckily, celebrating Father’s Day can be even more fun when you add in all the benefits, activities, and community of senior living! Whether you’re an Activities Director at a senior living community, wanting to celebrate Father’s Day with your dad at his community, or just a dad considering senior living, here are some ideas on how to celebrate Father’s Day in senior living communities.
Father’s Day Matters
When you live at a senior living community, holidays can take on special significance. Days like Father’s Day can remind seniors of the kids they miss and the memories they wish they could relive. Fathers play a vital role in families that shouldn’t be underestimated, and dads who are devoted to their families deserve a little appreciation. Celebrating these holidays together–in person or otherwise–can also help families renew and strengthen bonds. If seniors aren’t able to have family members visit on Father’s Day, a sense of belonging within the community becomes even more important. Activities that acknowledge and emphasize the holiday can help senior dads feel more at home, and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Making Father’s Day Special at Senior Living Communities
If you’re an Activities Director or Life Enrichment Coordinator at a Senior Living Community, it’s up to you to make Father’s Day special for your residents. Here are a few ideas on what you can do to make dads and residents of your community feel celebrated, loved, and seen.
- Host a casino night, with games like poker and blackjack, and fun mocktails with special snacks
- Have a special woodworking activity, and provide seniors with simple woodworking projects and tools, like a birdhouse kit or or model airplane kit.
- If weather permits, host an outdoor bbq. Grill burgers and hot dogs, play classic rock music, and have some outdoor games like horseshoes, croquet, or mini golf.
- Invite dads or male seniors to compete at silly games, like who can tie a tie the fastest or change a diaper (on a doll) quickest.
- Teach seniors how to do a genealogy, journaling, or scrapbook project where they can learn about their ancestors or reflect on their own dads.
Celebrating Father’s Day with Your Dad at a Senior Living Community
If your dad is living in a senior living community, make sure to make the day extra special for him. If you’re nearby, visit and bring a meaningful gift. Stay for any community activities that are going on, and chat with your dad’s friends at the community. You could also take your dad out for lunch, dinner, or a drink at a local pub. If you live nearby, invite your dad to any celebrations you’ll be having at your own home. You could even plan a special day out for your dad, with all of his favorite activities and foods.
If you don’t live near your dad’s community, don’t let this important day go unnoticed. Make sure to send a card and gift. If you have children, your dad is sure to love handmade cards or crafts from his grandchildren. Calling, texting, or video chatting is also a great way to make Dad feel remembered and included, even if you can’t be there.
