Do you have one or more elderly family members in assisted living? With the holidays fast approaching, it’s time to think about ways that you can help them beat the blues during this season.
Several studies how shown that people of all ages who live away from their family start to feel down during the holiday season. They remember the fun times of earlier holidays spent with family members and realize that things are different. They understand that the family will still get together to celebrate Christmas dinner but this time it will be without them. This realization can make this otherwise cheerful season start to feel depressing.
The time spent with your loved one is just as important for you as it is for them.
If you know of any senior in assisted living during the holidays, there are things you can do to help them feel a little less blue.
Talk To Them
Nothing lifts the spirits of the elderly more than having someone to talk to. Sure, they have lots of company in the facility, but having a family member spend time with them is different. It allows them to share common memories, share a laugh at jokes only both of you can understand or discuss the feeling of loss only you share from having lost a loved one. Just knowing that you care enough to take time out from your hectic schedule just will mean so much to them.
Lend A Hand
Ask if they wanted to do anything special during the season – cook something special, buy gifts, or maybe decorate the home. Offer to help in any way you can, whether it’s buying the things they want or helping out with the cooking, cleaning or decorations. Better still, get the whole family to come out one day to help. Having the whole family there laughing and doing things together is sure to life their spirits like nothing else.
Take Them To A Holiday Event
Scour the local newspapers and the internet for age appropriate events being organized in the neighborhood. Of course, you will have to take into account their special needs. Are they on a special diet? Do they need help with getting around? Take all of these factors into consideration and speak to the organizers of the event before you actually get there.
Make Your Visits Regular
The holidays can get busy with tons of things to do, from cleaning and cooking to shopping and decorating. Still, it’s always possible to find pockets of time to visit your loved one regularly. You may not be able to take the whole family along to visit regularly but look for ways to free up your time for a quick visit. Ask a friend to pick up the kids from school or babysit for you for that day. The time spent with your loved one is just as important for you as it is for them.
As you can see, none of these things are very difficult to do. They just require you to take a little time off from your day but these small acts can make a world of a difference to your loved one in assisted living.
