How to celebrate elderly birthday?

• Put a Happy Birthday sign on their door.
• Decorate their room with balloons.
• Offer them a "It's My Birthday" badge for them to wear for the day.
• Bring in a cake when everyone is in the dining room and sing happy birthday and get them to blow out a candle.

The Western tradition of celebrating birthdays with cake and candles has certainly caught in other parts of the world. However in some cultures, they make less of a fuss. The Chinese, for example, celebrate by eating a plate of long noodles to symbolize longevity. The Vietnamese do not acknowledge the exact day they were born and everyone celebrates their birthday on New Years Day.

It is important to consider the cultural background of your clients and their personal preferences when planning birthday celebrations.

In addition to cultural considerations, it is important to remember that birthdays are all about be what they want and not what we want. Fuss over those that like a fuss, and quietly congratulate those that don't. It is important that the birthday person is involved in planning their birthday celebrations; it is a personal decision.

We tend to plan big parties for milestone birthdays, but does the client agree? Remember that the client's energy level and health are major factors to consider when planning celebrations. Find out as much as possible by consulting the client and their family.

If the client is hesitant about a party offer other choices:

Some clients find birthdays rather depressing and prefer not to celebrate; we should respect their wishes if that is the case.

Many facilities hold a party each month to celebrate birthdays. This is sometimes a high tea or luncheon exclusive to residents that have birthdays that month and their family members.

Alternatively, some facilities hold all-inclusive parties each month where those celebrating their birthday wear a sparkly hat, help cut the cake and have their photo taken.

For some families, celebrating the birthday of a loved one living in long term care is an opportunity to gather the family together. Support and assist families with their plans in any way you can.

There are a number of ways you can make seniors feel special on the day of their birthday depending on their preferences.

All parties should have a little planning and be well organised so that when the time comes, they are stress free!

Centenarians used to be a rarity, but not anymore. Queen Elizabeth of England had to take on extra staff to cope with the surge of centenarians. The Whitehall ‘birthday card team' reported a 70% rise in the number of people turning 100 in the past decade!

Living to be 100 years old is a milestone, worthy of celebration! Keep in mind if the birthday client has dementia, avoid overstimulation. Observe body language and take them away from the party for a quiet time in their bedroom or elsewhere if needed.