Holiday Tips for LTC Residents
When we think of the holiday season, we think of parties, music, and happy family get-togethers. However, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season does not always fill people with Christmas spirit. This is the time of year where many people suffer from depression because, for some, with the holidays comes a sense of loss. Indeed, this is something to which the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.
For older adults, those rich memories can be a mixed blessing. Holidays bring a flood of feelings-many of them good, but some painful-and the balance often tips toward sadness and depression for many elderly people.
The main issue concerning residents of long term care facilities during the holidays is the inevitable separation from family members during holiday events. The inability to be present at traditional family events, such as the opening of presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning or the Christmas Day family meal, may trigger or enhance feelings of isolation and depression.
This issue is compounded by the fact that many residents must remain in the facility during events traditionally associated with the holidays, such as shopping for presents or visiting the homes of family friends. Staff should be vigilant to increasing signs of depression. Often, simply asking a resident if he or she is lonely or sad begins a dialogue that will allow the resident to express feelings that may be difficult to share at a time when others are celebrating.
As important as community events are for those who remain in the facility, encouraging increased family visits, trips outside the residence, and smaller gatherings may enhance feelings of connection for many residents and reduce their sense of isolation. Instead of inviting families to community meals for all residents, finding ways to allow families to dine together in a more intimate setting more closely replicates a family dinner in the home of a loved one. Allowing the resident to "host" the meal may put the resident in the matriarchal or patriarchal role she or he enjoyed before the long term care experience.
Other tips?
- Holidays may remind an aging friend or relative of a loved one's death. Encourage him or her to share sad feelings. Take time to listen.
- Acknowledge loved ones who have died by remembering happy times and celebrating their lives during the holidays.
- In holiday planning, take into account your older loved one's special needs and disabilities.
- Put yourself in their shoes. How will you want to be treated at age 80?
Read this article in U.S. News & World Report for more tips on "How to Spot, and Beat, the Holiday Blues"