Grandparents Day is coming – it’s the first Sunday after Labor Day, and it’s the perfect occasion to celebrate your senior loved ones. However, it doesn’t have to be about big or over-the-top celebrations – this holiday is about intentional moments that feel personalized and meaningful for the seniors in your life. If your parents or grandparents live in assisted living, you also have built-in support and systems that you can use to make this holiday a memorable one. Here are seven ideas for celebrating Grandparents Day in the most meaningful ways.
1. Have a memory-filled brunch. You can take your senior loved one to their favorite breakfast or brunch spot, but you can also host a small but enjoyable brunch in their assisted living community if restaurants are too chaotic for their tastes. Consider having close family members come to your loved one’s apartment or ask the community if you can reserve a lounge or dining space for a few hours. Here are some fun and meaningful brunch tips:
- Serve dishes tied to family memory’s, like Dad’s Famous French Toast or Grandma’s Special Pancakes.
- Have a centerpiece or table mats printed to feature old recipe cards, favorite cookbook pages, and family photos.
2. Record an oral history for them to enjoy. This is a simple but impactful way to connect with your senior loved one while also preserving memories for generations to come. You don’t need much for this Grandparents Day craft. All you need is your phone, a quiet space, and a list of questions. Some ideas for questions include:
- What’s a decision in your life that you’re most proud of?
- What was your favorite way to spend Saturdays as a kid?
- What’s something you hope our family will remember through generations?
Simply hit record on your phone and let your loved one talk. If they’re starting to face cognitive changes, bring photos, letters, and other mementos to jog their memory. Be sure to save these audio files somewhere safe and share with other family members and friends who will enjoy them.
3. Stop by with their favorite treats. Why not keep things simple and stop by with a Grandparents Day gift of their favorite cookies, pie, or coffee drink? Simply remembering that they love a particular restaurant or recipe can make the day feel special. Just be sure to check with the staff ahead of time for any dietary restrictions.
4. Take a walk outside. If it’s nice weather, why not get outside and enjoy it? Take a stroll around the community grounds and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. You can also take things outside of the community and explore a local park, beach, or walking trail. Just make sure that your senior loved one is capable in terms of mobility when you plan the day.
5. Have them show you their favorite hobby. Maybe your loved one has a passion for card games, lives for scrapbooking, or loves to color with the grandkids. Let them show you their favorite hobby in a low stress setting so you can enjoy it together. This also forges strong connections between generations, especially if younger family members are involved.
6. Write them a letter or card. Personal letters, cards, and notes can be extremely meaningful despite how simple they are. Write or draw something for your loved one (and have the grandkids do the same) – talk about your favorite memories, what you love most about them, and why you celebrate them on Grandparents Day. Then you can all sit down and read them together, bringing up new memories and favorite pastimes.
7. Join in the community celebration. Most assisted living communities host Grandparents Day events to celebrate residents. Whether it’s live music, a delicious brunch, an ice cream special, or unique Grandparents Day crafts, see if you and your family can join in! This allows your loved one to feel celebrated by both family and friends on this special day.
Practical Tips for Grandparents Day
Grandparents Day should be simple and stress-free, but meaningful and memorable. Here are some quick tips from our expert team at Innovation Senior Living to help you tick all the boxes.
- Confirm the date. Ask the community’s enrichment director what’s already planned at the community, and make sure to plan accordingly. Don’t forget to make reservations if you’re going out for a meal!
- Check health realities: Be sure to consider your loved one’s energy windows (when they feel most energetic), dietary needs, and mobility needs before planning any outings or activities.
- Keep it short: Aim for 60 – 90 minutes of focused time. Quality beats an all-day marathon. However, if your loved one is up for longer visits, make the most of the time!
- Capture something to remember: Take photos, videos, and audio clips on your phone – you don’t need fancy equipment or tech to preserve a memory. Future-you will be glad you did.
What If Your Loved One Has Dementia?
You can still celebrate Grandparents Day with your senior loved one if they have dementia or cognitive decline. Here are a few tips for planning the right type of celebration.
- Prioritize familiar music, a comfortable setting, and simple choices (“red or blue?”).
- Avoid open-ended questions; use yes/no questions or simply reminiscence through photos.
- Keep guests to one or two at a time and watch your loved one for signs of fatigue.
- If they’re having a hard day, pivot to a sensory item (soft scarf, scented lotion, smooth stone) and a short walk, and then try again later.
Celebrate Grandparents Day with Innovation Senior Living
Grandparents Day should be intentional, not exhausting. Let us help you plan the perfect celebration at Innovation Senior Living! Want more information about how we make each and every day meaningful for our residents? Schedule a tour in person to explore our beautiful, sunny community and experience our rich activities calendar. Our advisors are waiting to welcome you and your loved ones!
