With the annual holiday season imminent, it is important to understand that this can be a very difficult time for seniors. Whether your older family member lives at home or in an assisted living community, awareness of the potentional emotional toll is crucial for truly enjoying the holiday season. In this article, we help you navigate the emotional issues your loved one may experience at this time of the year, in order to avoid the onset of seasonal depression.
The Reasons that Seniors Experience Holiday Depression
The holiday season, often associated with happiness and celebration, can also pose an emotional challenge for your senior loved one. This is relevant for those living on their own as well as those residing in assisted living and memory care residences, where community and professional care are a way of life.
The reality of isolation is a major reason seniors may struggle, during the holidays or not. Even in communities where events are an everyday occurence, the holidays can inspire feelings of loneliness or separation. this is especially true if friends or loved ones cannot visit as often as they might during other times of the year. Because many seniors move into assisted living after the loss of their spouse or partner, the holidays can evoke memories of happier time, exascerbating their feelings of sadness or loneliness.
The loss of tradition can also be emotionally difficult. For senior adults who have celebrated the holidays with cherished family traditions for decades, the changes in the family dynamics and holiday festivities can be disconcerting.
Regardless of the underlying reasons, we can all agree that no one should be left alone to deal with seasonal depression. Let’s talk more about how you can help your loved one through the holidays.
Strategies for Managing Seasonal Depression
The reality of holiday depression in older adults is real, but it doesn’t have to be tolerated or suffered through. There are several proactive steps that both family members or caregivers can take to make the holiday season less stressful -and even joyful – for their loved ones.
- Medication and psychotherapy are both effective treatment options, and can be personalized to the individual requirements of each senior. Many assisted living facilities have medical personnel on-premise or partnerships with healthcare providers who can evaluate and adapt medication or therapy plans as needed. Family members should feel empowered to communicate freely with these medical professionals to guarantee that their loved ones receive the most appropriate treatment.
- Changes in lifestyle can result in a significant difference when it comes to seasonal depression. Easy adjustments such as keeping to a regular schedule can support feelings of stability and familiarity, minimizing anxiety, fear and depressive symptoms. Physical exercise, even a short walk around the facility, will increase endorphins and improve mood.
- Participating in holiday activities at the facility can also be a great help, as these events are meant to cultivate community, offer entertainment, and allow seniors to engage in the fun. Family members should encourage their loved ones to join in. Volunteering to attend and participate in these activities whenever possible is also a great way to enrich your senior’s experience.
- Any type of personal communication – whether a phone call or a handwritten card – can go a long way in alleviating negative emotions that lead to seasonal depression. Staying connected with loved ones has never been easier, and these small efforts can make a meaningful impact on a senior’s emotional well-being.
The holiday season doesn’t have to be difficult for your loved one. Through treatment, lifestyle adjustments and support, caregivers and family members have the means to make a profound difference and avoid seasonal depression for those they love. A Banyan Residence provides quality assisted living and memory care facilities in Wildwood, Florida and the surrounding area. Call today to schedule a tour.
