The holiday season is a special time for festivities and being with those you love. For many older adults, it can be a time of heightened loneliness. Research done by the AARP reveals that 31% of people over 50 feel lonely during the holidays, and older adults are particularly susceptible to feelings of isolation or sadness. Many seniors face challenges that may prevent them from fully participating in holiday events, leading to feelings of detachment and depression.
It’s important to recognize these challenges and take steps to support your loved ones during the holiday season. Here are some tips to help you support and connect with your loved ones so that they feel included, engaged and valued this time of year.
Spotting the Signs of Decline in Seniors
The holidays offer a unique opportunity to observe your loved one’s ability to manage daily living activities, like preparing meals or dressing themselves. Small cues can point out that they may need help.
Here are some quick cues to look out for:
• Strength – If they struggle to pick up an object or pass food at the dinner table, it may indicate decreased strength or dexterity.
• Personal Upkeep/Hygiene – Look at the clothes they’re wearing. If they’re wearing dirty, mismatched clothing that’s different from what they usually wear, it might be a notable sign of decline.
• Weight Loss – Are they noticeably losing weight? This can signal difficulties with grocery shopping or cooking, which can lead to more health concerns.
• Home Upkeep – Increased clutter or untidy spaces may mean they’re having trouble with household chores. Check the refrigerator and cabinets to see if they have enough food and if there are expired food or medications.
• Mobility and Balance – Mobility is another area where small cues can reveal significant concerns. Observe how they move around the home. Do they need to hold onto furniture for stability? Any signs of bruising could suggest they’ve recently fallen. Even a short walk together can help you gauge their stamina and balance.
Your observations can help initiate a conversation about ways you can support them, whether it’s by arranging meal services, setting up a grocery delivery service or even setting up a cleaning service.
Encouraging Social Interaction to Alleviate Isolation
Isolation can make feelings of loneliness worse and lead to depression, which can also affect memory and other daily functions. Talk to your loved one about their friends and social interactions. Encourage them to get out and about. You can also connect them with community events or local senior programs to foster ongoing social engagement.
Including Older Loved ones In New and Old Traditions
Your loved ones have probably had traditions around the holidays that they may cherish deeply. There’s no reason why they can’t relive them. Help them to decorate for the holidays or simply make their favorite holiday dishes, they’ll definitely appreciate it and reminisce about the old times. You can even start new traditions that they will look forward to in the coming years.
The Importance of Listening
Sometimes your loved one just needs someone who will listen to them. Instead of prying and trying to find a solution right away, simply listening to what they have to say and letting them be vulnerable to you is enough for them. Whether it’s through spending quality time with them or regular check-ins over the phone or video chat, being engaged with them is what matters the most and will help them feel less alone.
The holidays are about being with those you love and creating lasting memories to look back on. Make sure to look out for your older loved one this season, and make sure they feel included.
To learn more about how to care for your loved one, please visit https://synergyhomecare.com/ or call (877) 432-2692.
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SYNERGY HomeCare offers no obligation home assessments. Find a location near you or contact us to learn how we can provide additional support to you and your loved ones.
