Help your aging loved one beat the holiday blues

The holidays aren't always so merry for everyone. Our At Home Personal Care Team urges everyone to take some time out this holiday season—and, indeed, throughout the year—to put the following 5 tips into action, to help the elderly beat loneliness into action.

1. Check in.

While a phone call is nice, if you go in person, you will be able to see firsthand how they are doing and the circumstances they are in so you can help out if necessary. A warm hug and a hand clasp means so much, even if words are difficult. If you live too far away, see if there is a way you can schedule regular video chats with them.

2. Send some cheer.

Rally the family to write happy holiday greetings for your elderly loved ones. Have the kids draw or paint pictures or make simple, cute crafts to share. While it may not remove the sting of bad news from other cards and letters, it will bring a source of joy and light into a challenging time for your loved ones.

3. Include them in family functions.

Include and invite your loved one in family gatherings and dinners over the holiday season and throughout the year. Play games together and ask them about family history. Share special recipes and other family traditions. This shows them know that you love them and that they are an important part of your family.

4. Bring music

Music has a healing power that, while not fully understood, clearly has a powerful positive influence in the lives of those it touches. Create a long digital playlist of your elderly loved one’s favorite music to enjoy, or organize a children’s choir to come and sing songs or share other musical talents with your loved ones and their friends. Take them out to local holiday music concerts. Find some way to bring more music into their lives and watch the transformation.

Check out this post for more ways to beat holiday loneliness, or loneliness at any time of the year. Feel free to call us At Home Personal Care for ideas and assistance today: (703) 330-2323