With Christmas just around the corner, we’ve been in full festive mode for some time here at Coombe End Court care home in Marlborough. The decorations are up, and excitement is building amongst staff and residents as we look forward to our Christmas party, church service, and festive feast, amongst other things.

We understand though that Christmas can be different once you have a loved one living in a care home. We’ve put together some suggestions for celebrating Christmas when a special person is in residential care, whether permanently, or for a respite stay.

Christmas Traditions

Traditions are one of the best things about Christmas, and they can be a wonderful way of celebrating with family and friends. But traditions are not set in stone, and if there are things you do that will be different if a loved one is not there, then it is time to rethink some. How can you make them work this year? Can they be done at a different time, or with different people? Could you take a tradition to your loved one in their care home? Or join in with others’ traditions? Get in touch and we’ll gladly talk to you about some of the traditions we have here at Coombe End Court. And as some traditions change, new traditions will be born. 

Visiting Your Loved One in a Care Home at Christmas

At Coombe End Court, we love to welcome family and friends to visit, especially at Christmas. There’s always lots going on here, so have a chat with a member of the care team to get details of what’s on so you know what’s on and when, and can plan your visit in advance. Rather than seeing being in a care home as your loved one missing out on Christmas as home, consider all the things they will be seeing and doing, often things they wouldn’t do otherwise. They will also have all aspects of their care catered for.

Include Everyone

Visit if you can, but if that won’t be possible, we can support with video calls. Bring special festive touches with you, like Christmas cards or decorations for your loved one’s room. Items handmade by grandchildren are especially treasured, and that can be a wonderful way for children to feel connected to a grandparent who might not be spending Christmas Day with them.

Get Support if You Need it

We understand that Christmas can be a challenging time, and might be upsetting on occasion. Hearing about others’ ‘perfect Christmas’ when you’re adjusting to a new normal, or missing someone special, can take its toll, so be kind to yourself.  Take time out. Talk it through with other family members, or a friend, and if you have any questions regarding your loved one or their care, please don’t hesitate to ask a member of the team at Coombe End Court.

There are also various helplines available throughout the festive season if you need more specific support.

Samaritans – 116 123

Marie Curie – 0800 090 2309

Mind – 0300 123 3393

Calm – 0800 58 58 58

We’ll be sharing photos of our Christmas celebrations on our Facebook page, and if you would like to join us for any of it, please get in touch. We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year, from everyone at Coombe End Court care home in Marlborough.