Virtual Vacation: Hawai'i

photo credit: Sarah Ackerman

While most assisted living residents aren't housebound, many are unable to travel very far from their homes. Exotic vacations are a thing of the past. Luckily, with a little planning and an internet connection, you can easily bring a mini vacation directly to your residents.

Who doesn't love an excuse for a social gathering? Even better, you can use it as an opportunity to encourage everyone to share stories about trips they've taken in the past. It's a present day party and a remembering game all in one!

Having just returned from a vacation myself, I'm picking Hawaii for the first virtual vacation. There are thousands of beautiful images of flowers, beaches, and the ocean online, but if you want to bring a little more fun, check out an inexpensive party shop like Oriental Trading Company for all your luau supplies.

Nothing says Hawaii like traditional music, and there are several radio stations online that stream Hawaiian music 24/7. Plug a set of speakers into your computer or smartphone and queue up your favorite station.

Food is a must for this vacation, too. Fresh fruit and drinks are plentiful on the islands, and if your residents have a sweet tooth, a pineapple upside-down cake is the perfect treat. It can easily be prepared as a sheet cake to serve many, or as cupcakes for individuals. If you have residents who need to watch their sugar intake, a bowl of sugar-free tropical punch is a must (just mix a tropical-flavored drink mix with club soda to add extra sparkle). Top drinks with a festive paper umbrella to complete the image.

Aloha!