Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year — a season that reminds us to slow down, count our blessings, and spend time with the people who matter most. For many families, that means visiting a loved one who now lives in a senior living community.
While those visits are filled with love, I know they can sometimes bring mixed emotions too — especially if it’s your first holiday after a move. Things might feel different this year, but different doesn’t have to mean less meaningful. In fact, some of the most beautiful memories I’ve seen families make in senior living happen around the holidays.
So, from my heart to yours, here are a few heartfelt tips to make this Thanksgiving visit one that truly warms everyone’s heart — including your own.
1. Bring Familiar Traditions Along
Even in a new environment, the sights, smells, and sounds of family traditions can bring such comfort. Bring along Mom’s favorite pumpkin pie recipe or a framed photo of the family gathered around the table. Little things like these help the space feel familiar and loved.
If your loved one enjoys helping, invite them to participate — maybe stirring the cranberry sauce or folding napkins for your meal. Feeling useful and included can mean the world.
2. Focus on Presence Over Perfection
It’s easy to get caught up in wanting the visit to feel “just right,” but what your loved one will cherish most is simply you being there.
You don’t need an elaborate meal or perfect decorations. Sit together. Hold their hand. Share a story or a laugh. Sometimes the quiet moments say more than words ever could.
3. Include the Community
One of the most heartwarming parts of senior living is the sense of community. If your loved one has made new friends, invite them to join you for dessert or conversation. It shows your loved one that you honor the new relationships they’re building — and that you’re part of their world now, too.
And if the community is hosting a Thanksgiving meal or celebration (which many do), go! It’s a beautiful way to make memories and to let your loved one show off the people who’ve become part of their daily life.
4. Bring Comfort Items
Whether it’s a soft blanket, a seasonal decoration, or a small plate of leftovers from the family meal, thoughtful touches help make the holiday feel special.
One family I worked with brought a vase of autumn flowers and placed it on their mom’s nightstand — she said it made her feel like she had a “piece of home” right there with her.
5. Talk About Happy Memories
Even if your loved one’s memory has declined, you’ll often see their eyes light up when they hear familiar stories. Bring up Thanksgiving memories from years past — “Remember when Grandpa carved the turkey upside down?” — and let them relive the laughter and love.
And if it’s too painful to reminisce, create new memories instead. A short walk outside, singing a hymn, or watching the parade together can fill the day with joy.
6. Involve the Staff
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen caregivers and team members go above and beyond to make the holidays special. They often become like extended family — and acknowledging them with a kind word or even a small thank-you card means more than you might imagine.
💛 7. Give Yourself Grace
If this holiday feels emotional, know that you’re not alone. I’ve walked beside many families through these seasons of change, and it’s perfectly normal to feel joy and sadness all at once.
The most important thing is that your loved one feels your love — and that’s something you bring with you wherever you go.
From My Heart to Yours
At Heartfelt Senior Solutions, we believe Thanksgiving isn’t just a date on the calendar — it’s a reminder that love, gratitude, and family connections can grow beautifully even in new chapters of life.
So whether you’re visiting for an hour or spending the whole day, remember that your presence is the greatest gift you can give.
Happy Thanksgiving, from my family to yours.
— Traci Talley
