Creating New Thanksgiving Traditions At The Neighbors Of Dunn County

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, gratitude, and connection. As the season changes and the days grow shorter, many of us turn to tradition, shared meals, and time with loved ones to bring warmth into our lives. At The Neighbors of Dunn County, Thanksgiving is one of the most cherished days of the year, for our residents, our staff, and the families who share in the joy of the holiday.

While many families have adjusted their Thanksgiving celebrations over the years, the heart of the holiday remains the same: appreciating what we have and spending meaningful time with the people who matter most. For our residents, that includes their caregivers, fellow residents, and most importantly, family.

Thanksgiving In A Nursing Home Setting

Thanksgiving in a nursing home may look a bit different from the traditional large family gathering, but it’s no less special. In fact, it’s often more intentional. Whether it’s the familiar smell of turkey and stuffing or the comfort of sitting with someone you love, the moments shared around the table are filled with significance.

Many of our residents have hosted decades of Thanksgiving meals. Some have cooked for families of five or fifty. Others have traveled across states to be with relatives. Regardless of their personal history with the holiday, most share a common thread: they’ve experienced the love, laughter, and gratitude that Thanksgiving brings. Now, as residents of The Neighbors of Dunn County, we’re honored to help carry those traditions forward.

Connection During The Holidays

The holidays can be an emotionally complex time, especially for older adults in long-term care. While some residents enjoy frequent visits, others may not see family as often. That’s why Thanksgiving is a particularly important occasion for connection.

Studies from the National Institute on Aging show that social interaction is essential for senior health, physically, emotionally, and mentally. A visit, a shared meal, or even a short conversation can bring meaningful joy and comfort. For family members, Thanksgiving offers a structured and intentional way to show up, share love, and make memories together.

Whether your visit includes sharing stories, looking through photo albums, or simply sitting and holding hands, it’s often the quiet moments that mean the most.

Thanksgiving Nursing Home Visits

If you’ve been thinking about visiting a loved one in a nursing home for Thanksgiving, know that your presence matters. Thanksgiving nursing home visits are an incredible way to support a loved one’s well-being, both emotionally and physically. While you may not be able to bring everyone together under one roof, sitting down for a shared meal at your loved one’s side can provide deep comfort and connection.

Here are a few ideas to make the most of your visit:

• Arrive early to allow time for a relaxed greeting and smooth transition to the dining space.
• Bring a favorite photo or keepsake that sparks conversation.
• Share stories about past holidays, even if they’ve been told before.
• Check in with staff if your loved one needs assistance getting settled.

Remember, what your loved one values most is you. Being present, attentive, and engaged—even for a short time—can brighten their entire season.

How We Celebrate Thanksgiving At The Neighbors

At The Neighbors of Dunn County, our staff works to make Thanksgiving feel like home. From traditional menu items to thoughtful touches throughout the day, our goal is to ensure every resident feels included, cared for, and celebrated.

Our dietary team prepares a classic Thanksgiving menu that brings the flavor and comfort of the holiday to life:

• Roast Turkey
• Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
• Stuffing
• Green Bean Casserole
• Cranberry Sauce
• Fresh Dinner Rolls
• Pumpkin Pie

Each dish is made with care by our kitchen and dietary staff, who balance tradition, taste, and individual dietary needs.

A Tradition Of Togetherness

At The Neighbors of Dunn County, it’s important to us that holidays feel meaningful for our residents and their families. One tradition we’re proud to continue is offering the opportunity for family members to join their loved ones for a special Thanksgiving meal. Our dining team prepares a traditional holiday menu, including roast turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, fresh dinner rolls, and pumpkin pie, with care and attention to dietary needs and preferences.

Families are invited to share in this holiday experience by reserving a meal and joining their loved one for lunch on Thanksgiving Day. To request a meal, family members must complete the form included in our October/November e-newsletter (pdf). Reservations are required, and forms must be submitted by November 12 so our staff can ensure every guest is accommodated.

This shared meal is just one of the many ways we help residents feel at home—through familiar flavors, meaningful conversation, and time spent with those who matter most.

If you’re interested in learning more about our holiday traditions or how we help families stay connected year-round, we welcome you to contact us. At The Neighbors of Dunn County, we’re thankful every day for the community we share.

Making The Moments Count

While the holidays can bring challenges and changes, they also offer unique opportunities to pause, reflect, and reconnect. At The Neighbors of Dunn County, Thanksgiving is more than a day on the calendar, it’s a time to create shared memories, express gratitude, and remind our residents that they are loved and valued.

Whether you’re planning a visit, sharing a meal, or simply reaching out with a phone call or letter, your effort makes a difference. These small moments of togetherness can have a lasting impact. We are honored to help make those moments possible, and we look forward to celebrating many more holidays with the families who make our community so special.

From all of us at The Neighbors of Dunn County, thank you for being part of what makes this season meaningful. We wish you and your loved ones a safe, joyful, and heartwarming Thanksgiving!