High Desert Pirate Faire

By Dana Mauer

HERE IN THE HIGH DESERT, we’re all too familiar with the unpredictable winds. Undeterred by a weekend of wilder weather than usual, the Eighth Annual High Desert Pirate Faire was held at Hesperia Lake March 19th and 20th. The pirates steadied themselves against the wind and secured their camps. Still enthusiastic and eager to enjoy the celebration, they pulled out some warmer gear and pushed through. Hosted by Thomas Blackbeard, the High Desert Pirate Faire offers a look into the past, as well as a chance for the whole family learn about the unique variety of hobbies involved.

From Park to Port

Upon arrival, visitors were greeted at the ticket booth by a friendly group of pirates and a pet iguana. A few steps further, the park had been transformed into an island port full of merchants, food, and entertainment. Offering meat pies, turkey legs, fried fish, ale and more, guests got a taste of themed foods as they were immersed in the atmosphere. While strolling through the park, there was no shortage of family-friendly entertainment. Welcoming pirates engaged visitors, holding cannon and combat demonstrations, and shared a bit about what they do outside of the faire. On stage at the other side of the faire, bands and performances drew crowds. For an extra special experience, curious guests could be locked up and see what it was like to spend some time in the stockade. More than just dressing the part, woodworkers, costume makers, brewers, jewelry designers, and others represented the skilled craftsmanship side of the Pirate Faire.

Passionate Participation

Era enthusiasts gather at these events to celebrate the Golden Age of Pirates and share their hobbies, knowledge, and passion with others. Small groups called Clans and Guilds set up camps to hold demonstrations, play games, and offer trinkets for purchase. The goods and games are all handmade, showing off impressive craftsmanship and themed souvenirs. Guests could browse everything from corsets and ceramic skulls to detailed treasure chests and crystals. All types of hobbyists contribute to the faire with their own unique perspectives and imaginations. They work together for reenactments, cosplay, and a mutual love of the rich history. Exploring the faire, you might get pulled into a fun game and share some laughs or check out the view from a gigantic rocking horse. Lots of the participants also take part in the Renaissance Faire events, camping alongside an even wider variety of like-minded creatives.

The Pandemic stalled the High Desert Pirate Faire the past two years, but it was enthusiastically welcomed back to the park. Despite the wind ripping at the camps and black flags, the pirates and the locals are looking forward to better weather for next year.

How to Help Your Senior Parent Adjust to Assisted Living

CHANGE IS A CONSTANT; yet, accepting and adapting to change isn’t easy. As a result, many of us aren’t open to change. This is more so in case of aging seniors moving from the comfort of their homes into an assisted living community. Most aging seniors aren’t open to this change as they fear isolation and are unsure of what the new environment will bring. On the other hand, a few seniors take to it from day one and try to adapt to the new environment. They find it thrilling to live in a new community, get socially active, and pursue hobbies.

Either way, the first few days (even months) in the new community can be challenging for your senior parent. Hence, it’s important to be around your seniors and offer much-needed encouragement, positive reassurance, and support to help them adjust to the new lifestyle. Here are some effective tips for easing the transition for your senior parent.

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1. Stay in touch

The fear of isolation is one of the top reasons why seniors are reluctant to move to an assisted living facility. Don’t let your elderly parent succumb to feelings of isolation and abandonment while in the assisted living facility. Regular visits can assure them of your love and support. If you live in the same city, visit as frequently as possible. Introduce predictability in your visits. For instance, block your calendar for Saturday each week to spend the day with your senior loved one. If you have a hectic work schedule, use technology to your advantage. Skype and Whatsapp are effective tools to keep the lines of communication flowing, regardless of where you are. Be with your senior parent during and after the move-in period to smooth the transition. In fact, stay with them for a few days during the move-in phase to help them settle in.

2. Lend an empathetic ear

Moving to an assisted living facility is often accompanied by mixed feelings of abandonment, inadequacy, fear of the unknown, and loss of dignity and independence. It’s natural for your senior to feel distraught and isolated during their first few months at assisted living. Stay in constant touch with your parent during this initial phase. Patiently listen to all that they have to share, even if it’s full of negative talk. Avoid trivializing the situation by saying things like, ‘It’s just a phase,’ ‘It’s not as bad as you are making it look,’ or ‘You are being negative.’ Instead, hear them out and offer solutions that can help them adjust to their new environment. Encourage them to participate in the activities and social events organized by the assisted living facility. Most reputed assisted living facilities offer a range of activities for seniors and also invite volunteers to help with community work.

For instance, several facilities have residents taking up roles, such as managing the library or answering phone calls. Increased social activity will improve their well-being and make them realize that the new life isn’t as bad as it seemed earlier. At times, take a friend, a former neighbor, or another family member along to lighten the mood and help your elderly parent feel loved.

Aim at keeping the lines of communication flowing. Even if you think your parent is well cared for, it’s critical to be around till they are fully on board which, in some cases, takes longer than expected.

Listen! Allow your parent to express their emotions. Giving them time to acclimate to this new living style will go a long way in facilitating greater happiness for them in the future.

3. Don’t be over-protective

Maintaining senior independence is critical as it promotes a sense of purpose and achievement. This boosts their self-worth and emotional well-being. That’s exactly the lifestyle that assisted living facilities promote. They offer customized care services while ensuring your senior’s independence and privacy. Though you may be concerned about your parent’s ability to adjust, avoid being overprotective of them. Offer necessary and reasonable attention and care but refrain from hand holding them. Doing so will only increase your senior’s dependence on you, preventing them from adapting to the new environment.

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4. Add a personal touch to the new living space

One sure-shot way of helping your aging parent adjust to the new environment is by placing familiar items and keepsakes in their assisted living suite or apartment.

For instance, if your parent is accustomed to having a Bible, other books, music CDs, and a family photo at their bedside, do the same in their new living space. Encourage your senior loved one to share their layout preferences and allow them to make decisions pertaining to their apartment decor.

Get their inputs on the furniture arrangement and the choice of pictures and keepsakes. Involve them in setting up the room but make sure it’s functional and safe. Cloning the home environment will help them feel at home in the new environment.

5. Connect with the staff The staff at reputed assisted living facilities take a lot of care to make their senior residents feel involved. They often go out of their way to attend to their specific health and entertainment needs. However, since your ward is still adjusting to their new home, it’s wise to meet the staff and discuss your senior’s care needs. This will ensure that the little things that make your parent’s life comfortable are taken care of.

Whenever you visit the facility, meet the staff to understand how your parent is adjusting. This will help you work with them towards making your senior’s life more comfortable in the facility.

Summing up

Your parent has always been there for you, in good and rough times alike. Now, as they move into assisted living, it’s your responsibility to ease the transition for them.

Without a doubt, the initial days at the assisted living community are going to be challenging. Use the tips shared in this post to help your elderly parent adjust to their new home and live a happy and healthy life.