Birthday celebrations are an important time to honor elderly residents and let them know how much they are appreciated and valued. Memory Lane Therapy offer different Ways To Celebrate Birthdays In Aged Care! Read along and find out the different ways to make your residents’ birthdays more special!
What Does the Resident Want?
It is very important to remember that a birthday is a day to make them special. So we have to remember what they want, not what we think is better. It is a good idea to involve the birthday man/woman in the planning of their birthday celebrations; this ensures that they will enjoy their birthday without failure.
We love to plan big parties for milestone birthdays, but always consider if it is really what they want? Remember that as well as enjoyment, the client’s health is a major factor to consider during planning events. In addition to consulting the resident and their family (if possible), gather information on how they prefer to celebrate birthdays.
1. What do they like – large or small gatherings?
2. Do they like surprise parties or prefer quiet time with family?
Some clients prefer not to celebrate birthdays. We should respect their wishes if that is the case.
Celebrate Birthdays in a Unique Way
- Surround them with love: Host a heartwarming luncheon filled with laughter and cherished memories. Invite the special people who hold a place in their heart for an afternoon of connection and joy.
- Pinkies Up for a High Tea Extravaganza: Treat them to a sophisticated High Tea experience. Imagine elegant finger sandwiches, delicate pastries, and lively conversations with dear friends and family.
- Pack a Basket, Escape to Paradise: Plan a delightful picnic at a picturesque spot. Think a park bursting with vibrant flowers or a beach whispering secrets of the sea. Fresh air, delicious food, and good company – a recipe for a perfect birthday.
- Clink Glasses and Celebrate! Raise a toast and ignite some fun with a lively Happy Hour! Mingle with loved ones, indulge in delicious snacks, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
- Fire Up the Fun or Dine Out in Style: Fire up the grill for a mouthwatering BBQ lunch, or head out for a festive diner experience – the choice is yours! Let them savor delicious food and celebrate in a way they’ll enjoy.
- Art, Nature, and a Delicious Lunch: Embark on a stimulating trip to a museum or art gallery, followed by a delightful lunch outdoors. Let them soak in the beauty of art and nature, creating a birthday experience that feeds both the mind and the soul.
Celebrate Birthdays With the Family
For some families, celebrating the birthday of a loved one living in long-term care is an opportunity to gather the family together. Support and assist families with their plans in any way you can.
Ways to Make Seniors Feel Special on Their Birthday
There are a number of ways you can make your resident feel special on the day of their birthday depending on their choices.
- Birthday Door Decals: Make them feel like a star with a personalized “Happy Birthday” sign on their door! It’ll be a cheerful reminder to everyone to shower them with birthday wishes throughout the day.
- Festive Room Transformation: Transform their room into a birthday haven! Decorate it with colorful balloons and flickering candles (battery-operated for safety, of course).
- Birthday Badge of Honor (Optional): Create a cute “It’s My Birthday” badge for them to wear. However, always be respectful of their preferences – ask first if they’d be comfortable sporting a badge.
- Sing a Song in Any Language: Gather everyone in the dining room for a birthday cake surprise! Sing “Happy Birthday” together, and if your resident has a different cultural background, play a special birthday song in their native language using a mobile or laptop.
- Connect with Loved Ones: If possible, invite family members to visit and celebrate in person. If distance is a hurdle, arrange a Skype or FaceTime call so they can share birthday wishes virtually.
- Cards from Young Hearts: Spread some extra cheer! Invite local school children to make birthday cards, or organize a card-making craft session within the facility. Receiving a heartfelt card is sure to warm their heart.
- A Touch of Thoughtfulness: Surprise them with a small, thoughtful gift (see our gift suggestions below for inspiration!).
Celebrate Birthdays with an Organized Party
All parties should have a little planning and be well organized so that when the time comes, they are stress-free!
1. Set a Budget: Before diving in, decide on a comfortable spending limit for the party.
2. Consider Dietary Needs: If there are residents with diabetes or on sugar-free diets, plan accordingly with healthier treats and drinks.
3. Check the Calendar: Avoid scheduling the party during another activity time.
4. Fun and Games!: Pick a few engaging activities like games or quizzes to keep everyone entertained.
5. Spread the Word: Create and distribute invitations beforehand. Call family and close friends, and use email if necessary.
6. Delegate and Gift Wrap: Wrap gifts ahead of time and consider asking a volunteer to play music for singing “Happy Birthday.”
7. Stress-Free Celebration: With a little planning, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable birthday party for everyone involved!
Suitable Gift Ideas for the Elderly
- An address book with the telephone numbers of friends and family
- Non-slip slippers
- An easy to look after plant like a succulent
- Nice scented items like Lavender Bags
- Chocolate (if allowed)
- Hand cream Coloring Book
- Homemade cookies
- Large print gamebooks (crosswords, sudoku)
- Face washer
