For most of us, the holiday season is an enjoyable time spent with family and friends. Unfortunately, not everyone feels merry during the holidays. Older adults often feel lonely and isolated, feelings that are usually amplified during the holidays. This happens so frequently, it has been termed the "holiday blues." We understand the holidays can be a hectic time, but it's still important to make time for the elderly loved ones in your life. There are many things you can do to connect with them, such as hiring a healthcare advocate to assist you and your loved one.
If you are reading this, then you know the "holidays blues" is a reality, though you may not know its cause. There are many reasons for this. As people age, they slowly lose aspects of their mobility, which makes them feel less independent. Changes are occurring all around them, but it becomes increasingly difficult to keep up with the times as people get older. This results in feelings of disconnect. Elderly individuals often contend with feelings of dependency, isolation, disconnect, solitude, and depression, but these feelings come to the surface during the festive holiday months. This is especially true if they are forgotten or excluded from events.
Our professionals have created a list of ways you can support your elderly loved one during the holidays.
Make Them Feel Included
There is so much to do during the holidays, which is largely why it's considered as stressful as it is festive. Include your elderly loved one in certain aspects of planning and preparations. It can be as small as having them put bows on wrapped presents, or as big as asking them to help prepare meals. Whatever it is, make sure they feel included by having them help in little ways. This will make them feel needed, which can reduce some of the negative emotions they are accustomed to feeling during the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
Listen to Them
Sometimes, all your elderly loved one wants is to be heard. If you haven't been able to make enough time to sit and have a long, hearty chat with them, now is the time to do so. Maybe they want to talk about the "good ol' days," or discuss the challenges they are currently facing. No matter what is on their mind, sit with them, listen, and be sympathetic. This can be an opportunity to learn things about them you didn't know and it can reveal new ways to make them feel included every day, not just during the holidays.
Show Them You Care
There are many small gestures that reveal how much you care and appreciate your loved one. A great way to do this is by preparing their favorite meal. Don't know what that is? Take advantage of our first tip by listening to them and asking genuine questions. Again, you will learn a lot, including some of their favorite holiday meals. If you don't know how to prepare it yourself, ask them to help.
Send Them a Holiday Card
If your loved one doesn't live in the same state (or even country) as you, you can still let them know they aren't forgotten. Send them a holiday card with a meaningful message. Have other members of your family sign the card. Add drawings from the kids and photographs of the occasions your loved one may have missed. Do this every year and it will certainly mitigate your loved one's holiday blues.
Take a Trip Down Memory Lane
We all enjoy reliving happy moments. Bring out the family album and look at photos from the previous holidays enjoyed by your loved one. This is especially beneficial for those who struggle with memory loss. By looking at these old pictures, they can remember the faces and experiences of the occasion and perhaps many others. Don't feel bad if they start to cry, as this can be extremely cathartic.
In addition to enjoying the family album, you can recreate memories of the past by making traditional holiday meals and enjoying activities. Was there a Christmas movie you watched every year on Christmas Eve that was forgotten over the years? Rent it on a streaming platform.
Contact iWill Advocates
There are many activities you and your elderly loved one can enjoy during the holidays. When you need assistance during the rest of the year, you can always count on the professional staff at iWill Advocates. Work with a healthcare advocate for as little as $20/month. To learn more or get started, contact us or call 954-345-1214.