The American Geriatrics Society Foundation for Health in Aging recently shared "Tips for Beating the Holiday Blues." They recommend the following strategies for lightening the sadness and depression many older people feel during the holidays.
- Invite them to get-togethers (take into account their needs for transportation or special diets).
- Offer to help them with shopping and preparations for the holidays.
- Encourage them to talk about how they are feeling. Acknowledge the difficulty they might be having, including a sense of loss they might have if family or friends have died or moved away.
- Encourage them to talk to a healthcare provider. Many older people don't realize when they're depressed. Let them know that depression is a medical illness and nothing to be ashamed of.
Common triggers include:
- Relationships: Facing the holidays alone can make people feel lonely and sad.
- Finances: The holidays can put a strain on your budget that can last for months.
- Physical demands: The events that pop up during the holiday season can leave people feeling wiped out. In addition, burning the wick at both ends can make people more susceptible to colds and other bugs.
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1 comments:
I have always found that one of the best ways to help them through the holidays is by talking about it. Ask the resident, What is one of the best memories you have of the holidays? You would be amazed at how the flood gate may open and get them to start talking. I have seen many of smiles because they remember the happiest times or the most loving times in their lives. If they won't start the conversation, start talking of your family traditions and I bet you will get a smile or maybe even a tear but it may make them share their feelings.
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