For many individuals, the holidays are a time of positivity, inclusivity, and bonding. However, many seniors find this season challenging, and they may begin to experience what we know as “holiday blues.” While it’s not always possible to “cure” the holiday blues, there are some ways to combat it and help your senior loved one have a happier season. One small thing that can transform anyone’s mood is companionship. If you’re far from your loved one or the season is making it busier than usual, having a caregiver from Marquette Home Care can make the season a little less blue.
What Causes Holiday Blues?
Seniors aren’t alone in feeling the holiday blues. It’s actually a fairly common occurrence. However, feelings of sadness can be exacerbated for seniors. They aren’t always able to participate in the season, and the weather can make it hard for them to get out and about.
Holiday blues for seniors can appear for many different reasons, including the absence of loved ones, feeling isolated from the world, feeling shut in during the winter, and more. Some seniors may feel stressed or fatigued over the holidays. Holiday blues can become so exacerbating that they can lead to physical health complications such as insomnia, headaches, and more. Many seniors living in the Upper Peninsula may also suffer from seasonal affective disorder, which can make what is already a sad season worse.
How To Care for Your Senior Loved One
Fortunately, if your loved one is struggling with depression due to the holidays, they are not alone. It’s completely normal to feel stressed around this time, and there are many different strategies you can use to help your senior loved one cope with the changing season.
- Leverage Technology. Isolation among seniors during the holiday season is, unfortunately, quite common, and many seniors have family who are scattered across the country. Phone calls or even Facetime can be a balm during this time.
- Keep your loved one busy. Outings can be difficult during the snowy time of year, but games, puzzles, and music are all ways to keep your loved one busy, helping to refocus them.
- Speak with Marquette Home Care. We provide in-home care, including housekeeping services, transportation services, and nursing visits. We can help your senior loved ones with anything they may be unable to do themselves, like setting up Facetime or helping with simple Christmas decor and shopping.
Seniors who are living alone may feel overwhelmed as the holidays approach. Helping them stay busy, focus on the good times, and stay connected can overcome some of the depressing feelings they have during this time.
Help Your Loved One Manage the Holiday Blues This Year
Our team at Marquette Home Care proudly helps clients throughout Marquette, MI, as well as the nearby towns of Negaunee, Ishpeming, Gwinn, Skandia, and Harvey. We are trained to help seniors keep track of their health, provide in-home care, and ensure they feel comfortable when the holiday blues arise. To learn more about how we can help, call us today at 906-361-8022.
