Decorating nursing homes for Christmas is very important because aside from infusing the home with holiday cheer, it will create a unique and welcoming atmosphere, while also enlightening the everyday lives of residents, staff, and visitors.
Howbeit, it is pertinent you take your time to come up with thoughtfully chosen Christmas ornaments to ensure you brightly transform common areas and personal spaces into festive havens.
Below are some very good options to take into account when considering Christmas ornaments ideal for nursing homes.
Best Christmas Ornaments for Nursing Home
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Shatterproof Christmas Ornaments
This is one of the best options to consider especially for safety reasons. These durable decorations tend to come in a wide array of shapes, sizes, and colors, taking up the appearance of glass but without the fragility.
One reason why this is a good choice is because it is safe for all. It is also very easy to clean if accidentally dropped.
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Themed Christmas Trees
Themed trees guarantee a unique and personal touch as well as encourage resident engagement and interaction. Some themed trees to consider include:
- Memory Lane Trees: This entails decorating with ornaments that include nostalgic items, such as vintage toys, to bring back happy memories for residents.
- Resident-Crafted Trees: Inculcate handmade ornaments that were created during holiday crafting sessions.
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Personalized Ornaments
You should also consider adding personalized ornaments that feature residents’ names, photos, or short messages to ensure that the decorations are meaningful.
One reason why this is a good idea is because it will foster a sense of belonging and community. Aside from that, it creates conversation starters among residents and visitors.
Make sure to hang personalized ornaments on small trees in residents’ rooms or a central “Community Tree.”
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LED String Lights
LED string lights are known to be energy-efficient as well as safer than traditional incandescent lights.
You will appreciate the fact that they emit less heat, reducing the risk of fire. They also come in a wide array of colors and styles, including twinkling or steady modes.
To use, you might want to wrap lights around banisters, trees, and window frames to give them a sparkling effect.
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Holiday Wreaths and Garlands
Other good options are wreaths and garlands adorned with bows, baubles, and faux berries because they liven up doors, hallways, and common areas.
You will appreciate the fact that they are low maintenance and easy to install. Also, keep in mind that non-obtrusive decorations work to elevate the festive mood.
Place these holiday wreaths on each resident’s door to personalize their space as well as ensure that the environment looks a lot more festive.
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Tabletop Ornaments
You should also look towards compact decorations like miniature Christmas trees, snow globes, and nativity scenes since they look perfect on dining tables or sideboards.
These particular ornaments tend to be space-efficient as well as easy to move. It also helps to inculcate a personal touch to individual tables.
Be sure to take into account battery-operated snow globes or small trees that feature fiber optic lights for extra attraction and charm.
Another valid option is to encourage residents to take part in crafting sessions to come up with their own ornaments.
Aside from being a fun endeavor, it is also therapeutic. This particular activity works to promote creativity while also reducing feelings of isolation.
It also works to add a unique, heartfelt touch to the decorations. Some well-known ideas to consider include:
- Paper snowflakes.
- Pinecone ornaments.
- Beaded garlands.
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Inclusive Holiday Décor
Also take into account ornaments that celebrate other seasonal traditions, such as Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, to ensure you come up with an inclusive and respectful environment for diverse residents and staff.
This is a valid choice since it recognizes and honors the diversity within the community. Aside from that, it works to encourage cultural exchange and learning.
However, to guarantee the right results, take your time to design a multicultural holiday display in a common area.
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Aromatic Ornaments
These are scented ornaments infused with fragrances such as cinnamon, pine, or vanilla. These ornaments will evoke warm holiday memories as well as elevate the sensory experience of the holidays.
Aside from that, it can also stimulate memories in residents with dementia. Be sure to place them strategically in communal areas, but limit overstimulation for residents’ sensitivity to smells.
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Outdoor Decorations
You should also consider how to decorate your outdoor spaces. As such, you would want to consider weather-resistant ornaments that include oversized baubles, solar-powered lights, as well as inflatables to further spread holiday cheer even outside the facility walls.
This is a wonderful way to welcome visitors as well as create a festive atmosphere. It also ensures residents get a scenic view during the day and night.
This entails decorating entryways, patios, and garden areas with durable, easy-to-maintain items.