In an American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) study, 90 percent
of seniors said they wanted to remain in their homes. This presents a challenge for adult children who want to show their parents that a senior living facility will be as much of a home as the house they leave behind. A housewarming party is a wonderful way to introduce your parents to their new residence and lifestyle.
Invite Diverse Party Guests
Change the party list you normally use for family events. Include the close friends and family members that always come to your get-togethers and add a few extra names. Some additions to include are a few of the neighbors from their prior residence and some residents from their new community.
Including previous and new neighbors can help to create a bridge between your parents' past and their future. The visit from the neighbors they have known for years can help them see that they can maintain their current relationships. The introduction to new neighbors can help them to make more friends and feel more comfortable and welcome.
Request Only Useful Gifts
Usually, housewarming gifts include items that someone establishing a household for the first time will need. Your mom and dad probably already have a toaster, decorative items, and pots and pans. Request that guests who want to bring gifts only choose items your parents will find useful.
Include a brief list of gift ideas for the guests to consider. Gift cards to local salons or grocery stores are examples of beneficial items. Consider giving a computer to your parents if they are not already online. Social media makes it easier to stay in touch with loved ones, and about 45 percent
of adult Americans aged 65 and older are active on Facebook.
Another option is to suggest gifts that help seniors to stay independent. Some products available today include devices that make it easier to open jars. Suggest button hooks and zipper pulls if they have limited dexterity. A bath or shower chair or motion-activated nightlights can help to prevent accidents so their independence lasts as long as possible.
Recommend affordable items and make certain to mention on the invitation that gifts are optional. Many of the neighbors and friends of your parents may also live on a fixed income. You do not want to discourage attendance from people that feel they can only attend if they bring something.
A party should always have a few activities, and games are a fantastic way for your loved ones to have a good time and make happy memories of their first day in their new home. Small gatherings or parties that include a lot of mobility-challenged guests can include card games, bingo, and board games.
If the weather permits, try to engage everyone in a few outdoor games. Horseshoes, a beanbag toss, and lawn bowling are fun activities that everyone can play at their own pace. Even grandchildren or other young guests will enjoy these activities.
Take a lot of photographs of the party guests and the activities. Buy a greeting card for all attendees to write a brief note inside. Include the pictures and the card in a scrapbook along with old photographs taken in the family home. The gift can help your parents realize that the move into their new home is just another chapter in their story.
Independent living communities are happy, safe, and comfortable homes. At Robert Cottingham Company
, we provide amenity-rich senior communities at an affordable price for residents with a limited income. Contact us to learn more, or visit our website to view the locations.
