5 Ways to Support Nursing Homes During the Holidays
"To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors."
–Tia Walker
This simple quote reminds us of a foundational truth—our elders deserve not only our care but also our gratitude. Nursing homes play a pivotal role in ensuring that seniors are safe, comfortable, and supported. However, these facilities often face challenges, especially during the season of gratitude, when the lack of visits and resources can feel especially harsh.
If you're a parent, instilling values like compassion and gratitude in your children is likely a top priority. What better way to teach these lessons than by finding ways to support the elderly in nursing homes as a family?
From small gestures to meaningful actions, here are five ways to support nursing homes during this season of giving—because the smallest acts of kindness can have the biggest impacts.
1. Organize a Family Donation Drive
Many nursing homes operate on tight budgets, and even basic supplies can be in short supply. Consider organizing a donation drive with your child to collect items nursing homes need most.
What to Donate:
Hygiene Products: Toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, and body wash are always appreciated.
Warm Clothing: Think cozy blankets, socks with grips, or cardigans for cooler days.
Activity Supplies: Puzzles, adult coloring books, art kits, and board games to encourage interaction and mental stimulation.
Treats: Non-perishable snacks like cookies, tea bags, or boxed chocolates can bring some festive cheer.
Encourage your child's class, sports team, or other community groups to pitch in! Include a personal note from your family or your child to make the donation feel extra special.
2. Brighten Their Day with Homemade Cards
There’s something about receiving a handmade card that feels so much more personal than store-bought alternatives. Seniors often cherish the sentiment behind these small gestures.
Take this as an opportunity to spend quality time with your kids while doing something impactful. Set up a card-making session at home with markers, stickers, and construction paper.
Include messages of encouragement, appreciation, and warmth.
Create simple drawings—snowflakes, trees, or hearts are always a hit.
Help younger children write short, positive notes like “Thinking of you!”
These handmade tokens can be dropped off at a local nursing home to spread cheer to all the residents. Some homes might even allow you to deliver them in person (check with the staff first).
3. Volunteer as a Family
Time is often one of the greatest gifts you can give. Volunteering at a nursing home is not just a way to give back—it’s an opportunity for your child to interact and connect with older adults, broadening their understanding of the world.
Share a Talent: Whether you or your child sing, play an instrument, or have a knack for storytelling, these creative performances can uplift spirits.
Help with Activities: Pitch in during games like bingo or arts and crafts sessions.
Read Aloud: Pair up with a resident and read books, magazines, or even poetry to them.
Check out our Miami Volunteer listing to see if there is any way your family can help people in nursing homes this month.
4. Donate Books, Music, or Movies
Entertainment can make an incredible difference in creating a lively and engaging atmosphere for nursing home residents. Declutter your home by curating a selection of gently used or new books, CDs, or DVDs to donate. This is a great way to involve your kids by asking them to pick out some items they think would bring joy to an elderly audience.
Classic movies or comedies that can be enjoyed by a group.
Easy-to-read books or large print editions of popular genres.
Relaxing or cheerful music compilations (think oldies, jazz, or other albums).
You can even work with the nursing home staff to set up a "mini-library" or entertainment corner for the residents.
5. Send or Sponsor Small Gifts
Even a small, thoughtful present can go a long way in brightening someone’s season. Consider sponsoring or assembling gift bags as a family project.
Individual blankets or shawls.
Personal care kits with lip balm, hand cream, and nail files.
Small plants like succulents that are easy to care for.
Keepsakes like photo frames or ornaments.
Nursing homes provide invaluable care to our elderly, but they also rely on the support of the community to make their environments vibrant and fulfilling. Whether it’s through donating items, brightening someone’s day with a handmade card, or spending time with residents, each small action adds warmth to their lives.
This season of gratitude, we encourage you and your family to take one step—no matter how small—to extend generosity to nursing homes near you. Together, we can show our gratitude to those who paved the way for us.
Start by reaching out to a nursing home near you to see how your family’s efforts can bring the most impact. After all, isn’t the joy of giving the best gift of all?
Doing Good Together’s Miami Kindness Project content is FREE thanks to the generous support of the Al and Jane Nahmad Foundation.