Don’t be Down in December
This holiday season will surface differently this year than in previous years. More seniors, this
year, will be forced to celebrate the holidays alone. Learn how you can help an aging loved one
feel involved and get into the holiday spirit without stressing yourself beyond your limits or
risking anyone’s health.
Isolation Makes the Holidays Hard
Older adults who experience loneliness are at a higher risk for depression. If you believe that
your client, parent, spouse, friend or neighbor may be feeling lonely or!depressed, there are
steps that you can take to help lift their spirits. You may find yourself busy with adapting your
own holiday plans and traditions, but it is important that we remind ourselves what the holiday
season is truly about. Use these ideas to brighten up a loved one’s winter season.
10 Tips for Helping Older Adults Deal With Holiday Loneliness
1.Make a point of active listening.
When your loved one wants to talk, even if the discussion is negative, make them feel heard. An
honest and empathetic conversation can help them process what is bothering them. It may also
allow them to reveal why they are feeling down. You may be surprised and learn other ways of
lifting their spirits.
2.Remind them of their purpose.
Share with them how important they are as a part of your life, family members’ lives and holiday
celebrations. They may feel useless or like a burden if they cannot contribute to festivities like
they used to. Encourage them to do what they are capable of.
3.Help your loved one see that you are trying to simplify your holiday plans.
Let them know you are focusing on their values that you cherish them. Remind them that they
have taught you the importance of family and friendship and thank them for that.
4.Check with your loved one’s religious organization
See if they can offer social and/or spiritual support. Many churches can arrange for a congregant
or leader to visit a senior in need. Just having someone to talk to can go a long way toward
relieving depression.
5.Help them add festive touches
Add to their home or room in the long-term care facility. Be careful that these items do not
present a safety hazard. Try to decorate in stages to prolong the fun and give them something to
look forward to. Many older adults enjoy reflecting on past holidays. As they unpack cherished
decorations, be sure to listen to their stories and ask them about special pieces. If you cannot be
there in person, at least phone or video call.
6.Cook traditional baked goods or treats with your loved one. (If it is safe to get together in
person.)
If they reside in an assisted living facility, bring familiar treats that represent your holiday
traditions for them to enjoy and maybe even share with their friends. Try to make their dining
table festive, too, by offering to send themed decor, winter colors, and seasonal flavors.
7. Plan a virtual gathering.
The CDC currently recommends limiting gatherings to only those people in your immediate
household to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Instead of traditional holiday parties, call your
loved one’s friends and/or family to see if they would be able to attend a virtual gathering like a
Zoom meeting. Keep in mind that it does not have to necessarily be on a holiday. Realizing that
the people they care about took time to dial in and spend time with them is priceless for an older
adult.
8.The most important thing you can do with an older adult is to make them feel loved and
included.
It is so important this season, to simply spend time with them in a safe way. Look at family
photos, watch home videos or holiday movies, listen to seasonal music, or do crafts together. For
some families, these traditions may need to take place over FaceTime or Zoom or while both of
you social distance and wear masks. Regardless of what you decide to do together, any time you
can spare is a precious gift.