Tips for Overcoming the Holiday Blues

Holiday blues are very common amongst the elderly. The trouble is that many people don’t get the help they need to overcome the depression associated with the holiday blues. If you are caring for an elderly loved one, there are many tips you can use for helping them to overcome the holiday blues. You can have their elder care providers help them to overcome the holiday blues, as well.

Staying Connected

One of the most important things you can do to help your loved one overcome the holiday blues is by keeping them connected. Make sure that you and other loved ones are communicating with them via phone calls, video calls, or visits to their home. Go on outings with them or get them involved in community events. By keeping connected, they are staying busy and will be more distracted from feeling depressed or from feeling the blues.

In Control

There are things that are in your elderly loved one’s control. If they are experiencing the holiday blues, it is important that they focus on the things they can control. Encourage them to focus on lifestyle changes they can make. For example, maybe they can exercise a few times a week. This is something they can control. The more they feel in control of their lives, the less down they should feel.

Personal Health Inventory

Has your loved one gained extra weight recently? Are they feeling depressed because they lost a loved one? By having them take a personal health inventory, they are more likely to understand why they are feeling the way they are. Maybe they haven’t been to a doctor in a while and need to make an appointment. Personal health inventories are a great way to take control over one’s life and figure out what all is going on. Even if it is just the holiday blues, it is important to make sure there isn’t an underlying issue happening.

Joining a Class or Volunteer

If your elderly loved one is experiencing the holiday blues, it might be helpful for them to join a class. They can join a fitness class, volunteer at a hospital, or read to kids at a school. These are just some ideas of how to help your loved one overcome the holiday blues.

Plan Something Fun to Do

If your loved one is experiencing the holiday blues, plan something fun for them to do. Help them to do something off their bucket list, take them to an ice sculpture event, or go on a small vacation with them.

These are some of the tips that you can use to help your loved one to overcome the holiday blues. Start working with your loved one and their elder care providers to help them feel better starting right away.

If you or someone you know needs help with Elder Care in Comstock Park, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information. 

Sources

https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-elderly

https://www.psycom.net/depression.central.elderly.html

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Gauthier Family Home Care

Owner at Gauthier Family Home Care

Call (616) 258-2300. Gauthier Family Home Care exists to provide options for our clients to retain their independence in their own homes, improve their quality of life and support their extended families. We will accomplish that by providing compassionate, professional caregivers who will nurture, stimulate, and cater to each client’s specific needs without fail.

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