The holiday season is supposed to be a warm, friendly and joyous time for all. But for senior parents, it can be particularly challenging, often triggering feelings of loneliness, sadness, or depression. Years go by and memories can trigger regret and sorrow at how fast time has passed, how age has caught up with them with their health or remind them of the loss of loved ones no longer with them.
Here are some ways to help your senior parents cope with holiday depression, and how Parkview helps with our residents.
Recognize the Signs
First, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of depression in older adults, which can include:
- Persistent sadness or anxiety
- Loss of interest in activities/social interactions
- Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Physical aches and pains without clear causes
Parkview Senior Living staff can recognize when a community member is not themselves, and we often sit down and chat with residents when we see they’re feeling blue. Cleaning staff can stay a few minutes after and offer moral support as well. If you notice these signs persisting for more than two weeks, it may be time to seek professional help for your senior parent.
Stay Connected
Regular communication and visits can make a significant difference:
- Schedule frequent phone calls or video chats
- Plan in-person visits, when possible, as physical touch is important
- Encourage them to reach out to friends and other family members
- Help them engage with their community through religious organizations or charities
Maintain Traditions and Create New Ones
Holidays can stir feelings of loss, but maintaining traditions can provide familiarity and comfort:
- Help them continue cherished holiday rituals
- Create new traditions that accommodate their current abilities and circumstances
- Include them in holiday preparations, even if it’s just addressing cards or wrapping gifts
- Help them remember the best parts of holidays’ past and talk about what they meant to you as their child, even if it involves someone no longer with you
Encourage Physical Activity
Regular exercise can significantly improve mood:
- Suggest gentle activities like walking or swimming
- Consider low-impact exercises like yoga or tai chi
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity most days of the week
Parkview also encourages residents to get natural vitamin D via sunlight. Taking a peaceful walk around our wonderfully landscaped courtyard in the sun is quite helpful in fighting depression. Another thing Parkview does is encourage residents to run errands to stave off sadness. Just getting up and getting out of in front of the TV or phone screen and their regular environment does wonders for their mood. Getting out to the grocery store, bank, pharmacy, etc., can really help seniors get out of their heads and focus elsewhere.
Promote Social Engagement
Social connections are crucial for mental health, especially in seniors:
- Help them join community groups or visit other senior centers
- Encourage volunteering for local organizations
- Consider adopting a pet for companionship
At Parkview, we know building relationships is important in fighting depression in our seniors. That’s why we offer a full activities calendar of events for groups. From trips, games, parties, exercise classes, line dancing and more, seniors are too busy having fun to be lonely and have their moods decline negatively.
Address Health Concerns
Physical health problems can contribute to depression:
- Ensure they attend regular check-ups
- Help manage their medications
- Address any chronic pain issues with their healthcare provider
At Parkview, we recognize that physical health is closely tied together with mental health, so we offer nutritious meals daily, made with fresh ingredients. Parkview’s chefs know food that is healthy and delicious can change how seniors feel overall. Energy is an enemy of sadness.
Create a Festive Environment
The right environment can boost mood:
- Help decorate their living space for the holidays
- Ensure proper lighting, as lack of sunlight can contribute to depression
- Play cheerful holiday music or put on classic holiday movies
- Bring the grandkids to visit, as the joy of the season can be best experienced through the eyes of a child
Parkview LOVES holidays, and always decorates our facilities both inside and outside, which we know brings joy to our residents and our staff. We also encourage residents to decorate their personal space as well to get into the spirit.
Be Understanding and Patient
Remember that your parents may be dealing with unfamiliar complex emotions:
- Listen without judgment
- Validate their feelings
- Be patient and understanding if they’re not as enthusiastic about the holidays as they once were
- Share lots of hugs and physical touch points to make them feel loved
Parkview residents know that our helpful and friendly staff are there for them, always with kindness, empathy, compassion and a helping hand (and hug).
Consider Professional Help
If depression symptoms persist, seek professional assistance:
- Consult with their primary care physician
- Consider therapy or counseling options
- Look into support groups for seniors
Take Care of Yourself
As a caregiver, it’s important to maintain your own well-being too:
- Set realistic expectations for the holidays
- Don’t neglect your own mental health. Like airplane oxygen masks, take care of yourself first, then help others
- Seek support from other family members or professionals if needed
Remember, holiday depression in seniors is treatable. With the right support and interventions/interactions, your senior parents can find joy and meaning in the holiday season. By you being attentive, supportive, and proactive, you can help them navigate this potentially challenging time and create positive holiday experiences and memories. We always do our best to help ensure our community residents have joy-filled experiences daily at Parkview Senior Living. It’s our honor and privilege to care for your senior parents and help them live their best life.
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