For many people, holidays are a wonderful time of year to reconnect with family and friends. For some seniors, however, the holidays can cause great anxiety, confusion and even depression. As routines shift around the holidays, seniors may have a difficult time adjusting. Below are some tips from MediNurse to help everyone in the family have a safe and happy holiday season.
· Be mindful of changes in routine: Seniors often have their routines down pat. During the holidays, routines change and this can lead to exhaustion, confusion and even depression. When planning family gatherings, be mindful of your senior’s routine. Schedule down time if necessary, or even designate a “quiet room” so the senior might take a break from the hustle and bustle.
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· Include everyone: From meal planning to cleaning, everyone should be able to lend a helping hand. Less agile seniors can help by folding napkins or arranging floral centerpieces, while young kids can clear plates, decorate cookies, and more.
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· Beat the holiday blues: “Holiday blues” are feelings of profound sadness that can be provoked by all the activities of the holiday season. Seasonal blues can have a particular impact in the lives of older people. To combat the holiday blues, schedule events for the whole family, such as cookie decorating or caroling. Space the events out to allow your senior both to enjoy the activity and to recover.
· Watch medicinal intake with alcohol: Help your senior adhere to their regular schedule of medications during the holidays. Set a timer on your phone to remind them to take their medicine. And, watch the senior’s alcohol intake. Some medicines have severely adverse effects to alcohol. Know the limitations.
· If you can’t be present, give the gift of time: If you live out of town, call and have a long chat with your senior relative or friend. Quality time is one of the best gifts you can give.
· Clean up clutter: Be sure your home, both outside and inside, are clean. If the seniors are staying with you, plug in night lights. If dogs are an issue, keep them in another room.
The key is to plan, but be flexible, too. If you need extra helping hands during the holidays, MediNurse can provide task-oriented caregivers and registered nurses to help you care for your loved ones. Call us at 314.781.2800 or visit www.medinurse.com.