3 Things to Remember when working with Seniors and Seasonal Depression

By:  Renece Holland, Arthritis & Infusion Center Practice Manager

Often, we partner with our community contacts regarding issues that affect our mutual clients. In a recent interview with Sherry Viehweger, who has been Activities Director for Community Health and Rehab for 18 years, she shared several insights about senior citizens and seasonal issues.

“Often, seniors revert back to memories of home and the holidays. They reminisce about times past, and often feel extreme loss at not being able to be a part of a family unit,” said Ms. Viehweger. “This can trigger depression for many seniors.”

Because families may be busy with their own daily lives, jobs, families, or with the holiday season’s activities, they may not be able to visit their senior family member as often as they would like. Activities play a big part in keeping seasonal depression at bay.

“At Community Health and Rehab, we may set up a store where the residents can shop for gifts at no charge. Often, we ask other residents to help wrap gifts to encourage them to get involved. In addition, we will assist the residents in mailing Christmas cards to family and friends,” said Ms. Viehweger. “The focus should be on helping seniors to be as helpful as possible in order to keep them from dwelling on the past.”

In addition, a senior may loathe the holidays because they have outlived their entire family.  The holidays may remind them of all they have lost.

Every senior, or those who care for them, should remember:  Stay busy.  Reach out to others as a volunteer rather than focusing on yourself.  Attitude plays a big part in coping with holiday struggles. Be positive and upbeat, because a good attitude is contagious!

Don’t forget that seniors love children as well as animals, so the family should not hesitate to bring these “day brighteners” along when visiting, but check with the facility regarding their individual guidelines before doing so.

Finally, it’s as simple as one, two, three – to help prevent seasonal depression in seniors, or with the chronically ill, don’t forget:

Dr. Hulon Crayton and the staff of the Arthritis & Infusion Center wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

How to Make the Holidays Less Harried

During Christmas and the entire holiday season, everyone’s schedule ramps up with huge expectations and crammed to-do lists.  The Arthritis and Infusion Center would like to remind you that this should be a time of celebration!  So, look at your plans and see what you can do to simplify.  Dr. Crayton would like to suggest that you don’t over complicate things.  Stop to recognize your family and friends, especially the seniors in your life, making them the focus of your time and holiday spirit.  Then, don’t over extend yourself … physically or monetarily.  One way to help with this issue is to become more organized and follow a set budget.  If you are experiencing unhappy emotions, it is actually healthier to notice and verbalize your feelings to someone who is close to you.  Of course it should go without saying that you should exercise, eat correctly, and get the appropriate amount of sleep each night.  Finally, take the focus off yourself and transfer it to others.  Even the smallest gesture toward others will be one of the best gifts you can give yourself … and a side benefit will be comfort and joy during the holidays.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Dr. Crayton and his staff.