Share:

The holiday season is a time when friends and family gather to celebrate traditions together. For elderly people, especially those who require senior care, the holidays can be a tough time that leads to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Visiting Angels in Toms River, NJ, shares seven ways to help senior family members feel less alone during the holidays.

If you have family members who feel lonely, try the following senior care tips:

  • Listen To Them: As we grow older, we lose spouses, family, and friends along the way. Your elders may feel that loss a little bit more during the holidays. If they want to talk about those who have passed, even if they are feeling sad or negative, be there for them and listen.
  • senior careInclude Them: Remind your loved one how important they are to your holiday celebrations. Try not to make them feel like their presence is a burden. Remind them that they are the ones who taught you what the holidays mean and that you want to share that with them even if they need help and home care.
  • Bring Children: Children brighten up the day, especially for elderly people. Bring any grandchildren to visit them, and if there aren’t any kids in your family, contact local day cares to see if they have a program in place where children visit senior citizens. You can also bring your loved one to school functions like holiday concerts.
  • Decorate: Bring the festivities to them by decorating their home or room. Include ornaments and decorations that are special to them and represent good memories in their lives. Don’t forget to decorate their table to make mealtimes just as cheerful.
  • Have A Party: Invite friends and family over to their place for a small gathering. If seniors are feeling lonely and cut off from social situations, having their friends come by will remind them there are people who care and want to spend time with them. Keep traditions alive by bringing special dishes and treats to share.
  • Find Programs: There are programs that are designed to help seniors who suffer from depression. These programs help them cope with the emotions of this stage in their life and find the good in what’s around them. 
  • Spend Time: The simplest thing you can do to combat loneliness is to spend time with your loved one. Talking, looking at photos, watching home movies, or just being there for them goes a long way.

In Ocean and Monmouth Counties, Visiting Angels provides home care and compassionate caregivers to seniors and their families, helping elders with independent living in their own homes. To find out more about their senior care services, visit their website or call (732) 240-1050.

tracking