Creating Memories

October 30, 2021
A poster for family friends caregivers thanksgiving activities to help you and your family get into the holiday spirit

For some, this Thanksgiving will be the first time in the past year the entire family is able to celebrate the holiday together. If you’re having trouble thinking of Thanksgiving activities to get the family into the holiday spirit… no need to worry! After so long, Thanksgiving can feel overwhelming with the kids running around and extended family coming in. Luckily the team at Assistance in Home Care has a few activities to share ranging from games to crafts, to cooking recipes!

Thanksgiving Crafts

Finding the right activities to engage the whole family can allow opportunities for family bonding. Gathered Again has curated a list of Thanksgiving-themed activities that can engage the entire family: 1


  1. Thanksgiving Bingo Game: This may be an obvious choice, but with a bit of creativity you can turn this game into a personal and enjoyable experience! Customize your cards, have a grand prize, and see who can get bingo first!
  2. Thanksgiving Charades: Charades is a classic game whether it’s Thanksgiving or a family reunion. Not only does it help exercise motor and critical thinking skills, but pair up a grandparent and a grandchild and see how many you’re able to guess right.
  3. Coloring & Arts: For seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, activities as simple as coloring can bring comfort and relieve stress. Coloring can be therapeutic for some while boosting memory.2


Having trouble creating a bingo game for the entire family? Check the References links below! On their page, Gathered Again has free printables of their games available and more!

Thanksgiving-Inspired Recipes

The turkey may be centerpiece of the table, but don’t let that stop you and your loved ones from getting creative with these Thanksgiving-inspired recipes!


  • Oreo Turkey: This recipe from Butter & Baggage puts the spirit of Thanksgiving into these fun, easy-to-make treats for the entire family!3
  • Cranberry Brie Bites: Love crescent rolls? Delish has a delicious appetizer that will be gone in minutes. 4
  • Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage and Corn Nuts: A classic holiday dish that brings in a bit of heat from Thai chiles. The perfect recipe to keep the family warm.5


Whether your family has a sweet-tooth or prefers preparing the perfect turkey, remember the best food is made when the whole family shares a part in making it!

A Time for Family and Friends

Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for those who have supported us throughout this past year. Even if you are unable to visit family and friends this year, we hope these ideas and resources inspire you in creating fond memories wherever you may be. Be it a nursing home supported by your caregivers or inside your home with your family, Thanks-giving not only allows us to reminisce over past memories but create new ones to enjoy here and now.


Assistance in Home Care would also like to take this moment to thank our clients and caregivers for their dedication and support over this past year. You are the heart and soul of Assistance in Home Care and we hope this holiday season you’re able to spend some time among those who care for you. Happy Thanksgiving!

Resources

  1. Gathered Again: https://gatheredagain.com/thanksgiving-activities-for-seniors/
  2. Good House Keeping: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/thanksgiving-ideas/g28939265/fun-things-to-do-on-thanksgiving-activities/
  3. Butter & Baggage: https://www.butterandbaggage.com/turkey-oreo-truf-fles/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tail-wind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=472558442_16613120_33013
  4. Delish: https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a56610/cranberry-brie-bites-recipe/
  5. Bon appétit: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/cornbread-stuffing-with-sausage-and-corn-nuts
June 10, 2025
Dementia is a progressive condition that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It impacts not only the individual but also their family and support system. While each person's journey is unique, dementia typically follows a pattern of progression—from mild memory lapses to significant cognitive and physical decline.  Recognizing the signs at each stage and understanding how care needs evolve can help families plan effectively for their loved ones. In-home care plays a vital role in maintaining comfort, safety, and dignity through every phase. Early Stage: Mild Cognitive Changes What to Expect: Occasional forgetfulness (e.g., names, appointments) Difficulty finding words or concentrating Trouble with planning or organizing Mood changes, including anxiety or irritability How In-Home Care Can Help: In the early stage, most individuals are still independent and aware of their diagnosis. However, they may benefit from structured support: Help with scheduling and reminders (e.g, medications, appointments) Light housekeeping and meal preparation Companionship to reduce isolation and depression Transportation for errands and social visits Guidance with setting up routines and safety measures at home Establishing a caregiver early can also build familiarity and trust, making the transition into deeper care smoother later on. Middle Stage: Increasing Confusion and Dependency What to Expect: Noticeable memory loss and confusion, especially with recent events Difficulty recognizing familiar people or places Repetitive speech or questions Struggles with dressing, bathing, or cooking Wandering or becoming lost Behavioral changes like agitation, suspicion, or aggression How In-Home Care Can Help: At this stage, supervision and hands-on support become essential. A trained in-home caregiver can provide: Daily assistance with personal care and hygiene Structured routines to reduce confusion and stress Redirection and reassurance during moments of agitation Fall prevention and home safety modifications Help with meals and monitoring nutrition Respite care to give family members a needed break Middle-stage dementia is often when families begin to feel overwhelmed. In-home care can ease the burden while preserving the individual's sense of home and a sense of belonging. Late Stage: Full Dependence and Decline What to Expect: Significant memory loss and limited communication Loss of mobility and incontinence Trouble swallowing and increased risk of infection Full dependence on others for all activities of daily living Increased need for comfort and palliative care How In-Home Care Can Help: In the final stage, comfort and quality of life are the highest priorities. In-home caregivers provide: Complete personal care, including bathing, feeding, and toileting Bedside assistance to prevent bedsores and maintain mobility Gentle companionship and sensory stimulation (music, touch) Pain management and coordination with hospice or medical teams Emotional support for family members during end-of-life care Even in the late stage, home can offer a peaceful, familiar setting that promotes dignity and calm. Adapting Care as Needs Evolve Dementia care is not one-size-fits-all. Needs change over time, and care plans should be regularly evaluated and adjusted. With the help of a dedicated in-home care team, families can navigate each stage with greater confidence and compassion. At Assistance In Home Care , we specialize in dementia care that evolves with your loved one. Our caregivers are trained to meet the unique challenges of each stage and are committed to providing respectful, personalized support throughout the entire process.
A woman is standing in front of a table that says assistance
September 11, 2023
Last weekend, Assistance in Home Care had the honor of participating in Super Senior Saturday, a vital resource fair for seniors. This event is a beacon of support, providing seniors with a wide range of information on topics like insurance, home care, living trusts, durable medical equipment, and veteran benefits. In this blog post, we'll share our experience and the impact we had on over 100 attendees.