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Keep Your Senior's Spirits Bright During the Holidays
Eliminate Holiday Depression

Solving the Geriatric Healthcare Puzzle

Although the holiday season is supposed to be a time of sharing good times with family, oftentimes people, especially seniors, find that "Season's Greetings" bring stress, feelings of disappointment and sadness.

While some people suffer holiday depression for a combination of reasons, others might succumb to a single factor, and still others seem to become depressed for no apparent reason. The "holiday blues" can easily be triggered for seniors due to things such as:

Coping with failing health and greater dependency - Realizing that participating in once-enjoyed activities is no longer possible. Also, prescription medications may increase depression.

Spending the holidays alone - Because travel may not be easy or even possible and family sometimes get busy with their own obligations, some seniors spend some or all of the holiday season alone.

Dispair over "Then" and "Now" - Seniors become melancholy and nostalgic during the holidays over holiday memories of the past.

Remembering those that have passed - Many seniors have survived a number of their cherished friends and family members and these losses often take on greater significance during the holidays.

Financial Troubles - Most seniors are on a fixed income. Feelings of guilt over not being able to give gifts may contribute to depression.

If you suspect your special senior one may be suffering from the "holiday blues," contact their geriatric care manager and their physician. They can suggest some strategies to help chase away these blues. In the meantime, here are some suggestions from Source Finders:

Encourage them to talk about their depression - many seniors believe that asking for help or speaking of their feelings is a sign of weakness. Denying their feelings can make the situation worse. Ask them about how they feel. Encouraging them to join a social group in which they can speak to others in the same situation will help. If you are out of state, contact a company that specializes in senior services to assist in finding group activities.

Eliminate sources of stress - help with shopping (online shopping is great if your senior lives out of state), decorating and cooking.

Encourage family members to share their holiday happenings - use the phone, email and mail. Sending pictures and video, even after the holidays, is very simple these days via email and mail. Create a video during a holiday get-together and send it to your senior.

Physical activity - Exercising can help burn away stress. If you are out of state, arrange for a reputable, compassionate company that specializes in services for seniors, to assist your senior in finding ways to burn up this negative energy. A few of these companies (such as Source Finders) will visit your loved one, take them shopping, help them interact with the community and more.

If left untreated, the depressive symptoms will only continue on beyond the holiday season and progressively worsen, causing needless pain and suffering, not only to the person who is depressed, but also to those who care about them. Untreated depression can even become a life-threatening disorder as it persistently distorts thinking, making the individual feel more and more hopeless about themselves and life in general.

Contact a geriatric care manager or company that specializes in senior services to assist. Many of these companies are particularly skilled at helping those who are suffering from depression so that they're better able to enjoy a winter holiday season that's merry and bright and to look forward to the new year with health, hope and optimism.

We're only a phone call away! We can help! If you would like more information on this topic or you are looking for geriatric services in Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin, or Indian River County, please complete the form below and click the Submit button. Or call our toll-free number for assistance 800-597-4316. We will respond to you as quickly as possible.

Source Finders is a Florida professional and compassionate Geriatric Care Management Service serving Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties. Sign up for our Free newsletter to keep up to date on services and assistance for seniors.

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