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Difficulties That Seniors May Face During This Holiday Season
The holidays are typically considered a time when we spend quality time with and caring for others.
While a celebratory time, many seniors struggle at this time of year with feelings of isolation and depression. This is even the case for seniors who may be living in retirement homes or communities offering short-stay programs in the Niagara Falls region. This is because their loved ones may be spending the holidays with others.
If you have an older person in your life who you think is lonely, despite living in a retirement home in Niagara Falls, there are ways to help.
Keep reading to discover how you can make a difference to them and spread holiday cheer.
Why the Holiday Season Can Be Difficult for Seniors
Seniors living in retirement communities in Niagara Falls may find the holidays less than enjoyable for a variety of reasons. They include:
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Physical or Financial Limitations
While most individuals dream of a white Christmas, the season can create additional challenges for seniors. Once snow starts to fall and melts to turn into ice, it makes simple tasks like walking and driving dangerous. Additionally, since many seniors live on a fixed income, making plans to travel or buy presents can become challenging and lead to depression. These can make the holidays increasingly difficult to navigate.
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Distant Loved Ones
The holidays are about spending quality time with loved ones. However, as children grow up and move away, seniors may find themselves without family nearby. As distances increase and it becomes more difficult for children to visit, seniors may withdraw from society and become even more isolated.
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Changing Traditions
A hallmark of the holidays is the traditions that families create over time. These can be a source of comfort, especially for parents who spend years cultivating them with their families. However, these traditions don’t always endure. And while change is only natural, these changes can make it difficult for seniors to cope, leading them to feel less joy around the holidays.
Some Tips to Help Seniors Deal with Holiday Loneliness
Seniors may feel depressed and lonely during the holidays, but there are many things you can do to help them feel reinvigorated.
- Make it a point to visit them, even if they live in a retirement home in the Niagara Falls region. Take part in activities they enjoy like baking or decorating.
- Offer to help decorate their space with things like floral arrangements, artificial wreaths and garlands, and removable window clings.
- Cook a favourite meal or prepare baked goods for them to pair with tea or coffee.
- Talk to them about why they may be feeling left out and offer your support.
- Provide a comfortable space for them to share their feelings by having a genuine conversation.
- Consider their needs when planning events and dinners. Not every senior will be comfortable gathering with people they do not know.
- Ask about their most cherished memories and try to incorporate them into your celebrations.
- Try and discover ways to make this holiday season more special for them.
Loneliness is one of the most common struggles for seniors living in retirement homes in the Niagara Region. While there may be a few reasons why they feel left out, there are many more ways in which you can help them. We hope this post will help you add a bit of warmth and holiday cheer into their life this holiday season. The memories you make will surely be cherished in the months that follow.
