Beat the Holiday Blues

With the holiday season in full swing, running around buying presents and doing all of the little things to get ready for the upcoming parties, we need to pause for a moment and think about how difficult this time can be for the elderly. While many people look to the holidays as a time for joy and celebration, the holidays may also conjure up feelings of sadness and loneliness for the elderly as they think of lost loved ones, health concerns or financial stresses.
To help our seniors during the holiday season, the American Geriatrics Society gives us these tips for beating the holiday blues:

1. Get out and about – try to have family members take you to holiday events and parties or invite family and friends over.
2. Volunteer – nothing beats feelings of loneliness and sadness than helping others
less fortunate. Contact your local churches or United Way for volunteering opportunities.
3. Go light on the alcohol – it may be easy to escape feelings with a little eggnog but those
feeling will be sure to come back the next day twice as hard thereby lowering your spirits.
4. Accept your feelings – it’s ok to be a little sad around the holidays, it’s not an uncommon
thing for many people.
5. Talk about your feelings – talking about it may help you realize why you are feeling sad at
this time and who knows; maybe you’ll be helping out your confidant at the same time with
their low spirits.

Having a caregiver from American Home Companions is a great way to help with your holiday concerns. “I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the kindness, capability, and patience that has been shown me by my caregivers. They have rescued me from feelings of hopelessness, loneliness, and I must admit grouchiness,” says AHC client Bruce. “Also, they have helped make this Christmas season one of happiness and relief from worry; I want you to be aware of my admiration and appreciation,” he continues. The caregivers are there for the seniors to lend a helping hand in every way they can by taking the elderly shopping, to parties, church and most importantly by offering companionship during one of the more difficult times of the year.

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