What Would You Do?
WWYD In the run-up to Christmas, the home is decorated, festive music is playing, and staff are encouraged to wear Christmas jumpers. A group activity is planned with carols, mince pies, and Christmas games.
One resident quietly says, “I don’t celebrate Christmas. It brings back sad memories and I’d rather be left out of it.”
Staff feel torn.
• Some believe everyone should be included to avoid loneliness.
• Others feel respecting the resident’s wishes is part of person-centred care.
• The family say, “It’s Christmas — they should join in.”
What would you do?
Do you gently encourage participation for togetherness, or respect the resident’s choice to opt out — even during such a communal time of year?
How can we promote festive joy while still preserving individual dignity and choice?
My position, for what it's worth, and based on your own words, would be:
You gently encourage participation for togetherness, and if the resident still doesn't wish to join in then you respect the resident’s choice to opt out.