Holidays can be a time of celebration and, most importantly, a time to bond with family. Unfortunately, many seniors receiving Anchorage elderly care find themselves facing depression during the holidays for a variety of reasons. However, no matter what the reason, there are ways to boost your senior loved one’s emotional wellbeing during this time of year.
Depression Resulting from Poor Nutrition
An unhealthy diet can lead to depression. If your loved one is already experiencing depression, poor nutrition can make the symptoms worse. Depression has been linked to deficiencies of vitamins D, B6, and B12. When preparing holiday meals for your loved one, make sure to incorporate and share healthy food options that are high in vitamins and minerals like sweet potatoes and butternut squash soup.
Depression Caused by Financial Trouble
Lack of money to buy gifts and other holiday necessities can make seniors feel depressed. Help your loved one realize he or she can use creativity instead of money for making gifts and holiday decor. Handmade gifts are irreplaceable treasures that money can’t buy. Offering your loved one a budget-friendly way to contribute to the holidays can help make him or her feel happy and special.
Depression Because of Loneliness
Seniors can feel neglected during the busy holiday season, especially if they depend on a caregiver in Anchorage to help with their daily needs. Make an extra effort to spend time with your loved one during the holidays to help prevent him or her from feeling alone and sad. If you know a senior who doesn’t have a place to go for the holidays, bring him or her to a senior center to bond and make friends with other elderly people who may understand what he or she is going through.
Depression Due to Lost Traditions
Families change over time, and traditions can change as well. This can make a senior feel a sense of loss. Bring magic back into your loved one’s life during the holidays by incorporating a few traditions he or she knows and create new ones he or she can look forward to. For example, if all of the family can’t be together under one roof, share pictures and videos instead.
Take extra time to make sure the senior in your life is a part of holiday celebrations so he or she feels loved and welcomed during these events. It can go a long way in boosting your loved one’s self-esteem and keep him or her from becoming depressed during the holidays. If your loved one needs additional companionship to help prevent depression, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our compassionate caregivers can provide the emotional support your loved one needs and help with a variety of daily tasks. For seniors with more complex care needs, we also offer Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and stroke care Anchorage families trust. To schedule a complimentary consultation with a Care Manager, call (907) 770-0907 today.