How Father’s Day is Celebrated in Assisted Living Communities

Father’s Day is observed every year on the third Sunday in June. How you choose to celebrate your father’s influence on your life may be based on family traditions and culture. This year, financial planners predict an estimated $13.3 billion will be spent in tribute to dads in the USA; no doubt you’ll find a personalized way to show respect and love-- and for caregivers with aging fathers—that may involve taking a trip over to an assisted living community, perhaps with a carload of family members from various generations to pay tribute.

How Assisted Living Communities Celebrate

Activity and recreation staff in many assisted living communities take the opportunity to celebrate the men by hosting special activities such as worship services, brunches, luncheons and/or dinners with outside activities that appeal to the men. 

Some go all out with gourmet food or have a back yard BBQ.  Most communities customize their events to meet the interests of their “fathers” and find meaningful ways to honor them and involve their families. 

Many of the men enjoy games such as poker, bingo or dominoes in spacious, comfortable seating areas with chances to win fun prizes. Some enjoy watching a ball game with family and friends.  Others just relish the opportunity to spend time with the family and reminisce about what it was like raising the family. 

The Heart of Father’s Day

As much as you plan to honor your father or other male members of the family, keep in mind that the day will be filled with many emotions, ranging from joy to sadness.  For many men, they felt most needed and respected during the years they were working and raising a family and may be mourning the loss of that identity.  They may have lost a child at some point, may be widowed and even miss their own father so many years after his death.  Be sensitive to their emotions.  In addition to all the bells and whistles of the day’s celebrations, kind words and a loving touch will mean the world.

Key Takeaways:

• How you choose to celebrate your father’s influence in your life may be based on family traditions and culture.

• For caregivers with aging parents, Father’s Day celebration may involve taking a trip over to an assisted living community, perhaps with a carload of first and second generation families to pay homage.

• Be aware of other emotions that may surround Father’s Day and let the men in your life know how much you appreciate them.