During the holiday season, if we’re lucky, we get to spend time celebrating with our loved ones, but for many, especially seniors, December can be lonely if loved ones live far away or have passed. Many seniors suffer from depression during this time of year, and we work hard to lift their spirits.

At the VNSNY CHOICE Adult Day Center, December is party month and we keep the celebrations going through New Year’s Eve. In addition to 4 holiday parties and a New Year’s Eve celebration, we have a Chanukah party, and an annual sing-a-long/ Santa visit led by our friends at Partners in Care, the home healthcare agency that provides us with our exceptional Home Health Aides.

This year, 3 of Ms. E’s daughters joined us for our Chanukah party. As they left, they commented to me “now I understand why my mother likes to come here everyday. It’s so comforting to know that we can drop in unannounced and see how well everyone is treated.”

Mr. B. wrote a beautiful thank you note for our holiday party. Here’s an excerpt of what the party meant to him: “Queens is known for diversity and this all comes together at the VNSNY CHOICE Center in Woodside, where regardless of one’s background, we are always among friends and surrounded by love.  We’re celebrating the holidays with a year end round of parties.  It’s comforting and reassuring to know that we senior citizens have a haven which is a great source of happiness, good cheer and camaraderie for all.”

A comment by our Recreation Coordinator says it best, “it feels so good to touch people’s lives.”

Thank you for allowing me to share our special moments and give you tips to improve quality of life for seniors.   I hope you enjoy reading the VNSNY blog as much as we enjoy writing them.   Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy holiday!