CITIES SERVED Agency, Amazonia, Amity, Avondale, Belton, Birmingham, Blue Springs, Bolckow, Buckner, Camden Point, Cameron, Clarksdale, Claycomo, Cleveland, Cosby, Crystal Lakes, De Kalb, Dearborn, Easton, Edgerton, Elmira, Excelsior Estates, Excelsior Springs, Farley, Faucett, Ferrelview, Fort Osage, Gladstone, Gower, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Guilford, Helena, Hemple, Holt, Homestead Village, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City, Kansas City North, Kearney, King City, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lathrop, Lawson, Lees Summit, Liberty, Martin City, Maysville, Mc Fall, McFall, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview, Orrick, Osborn, Paradise, Parkville, Pattonsburg, Peculiar, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Valley, Randolph, Raymore, Raytown, Rea, Riverside, Rosendale, Rushville, Saint Joseph, Savannah, Sibley, Smithville, Stewartsville, Sugar Creek, Taos, Tracy, Trimble, Turney, Union Star, Unity Village, Village of Oakview, Weatherby, Weatherby Lake, West Line, Weston, Winthrop, Wood Heights

Zip Codes Served 64012, 64014, 64015, 64016, 64018, 64024, 64028, 64029, 64030, 64034, 64048, 64050, 64052, 64053, 64054, 64055, 64056, 64057, 64058, 64060, 64062, 64063, 64064, 64068, 64075, 64077, 64078, 64079, 64081, 64082, 64083, 64086, 64088, 64089, 64098, 64101, 64102, 64105, 64106, 64108, 64109, 64110, 64111, 64112, 64113, 64114, 64116, 64117, 64118, 64119, 64120, 64123, 64124, 64125, 64126, 64127, 64128, 64129, 64130, 64131, 64132, 64133, 64134, 64136, 64137, 64138, 64139, 64145, 64146, 64147, 64149, 64150, 64151, 64152, 64153, 64154, 64155, 64156, 64157, 64158, 64161, 64163, 64164, 64165, 64166, 64167, 64401, 64421, 64422, 64427, 64429, 64430, 64436, 64439, 64440, 64443, 64444, 64448, 64454, 64457, 64459, 64463, 64465, 64469, 64474, 64477, 64480, 64483, 64484, 64485, 64490, 64492, 64493, 64494, 64497, 64501, 64503, 64504, 64505, 64506, 64507, 64657, 64670, 64734, 66002, 66027, 66090, 66101, 66102, 66104, 66115

 © 2017 CarePatrol Franchise Systems. Terms & Conditions

HELPING SENIORS AVOID DEPRESSION DURING THE HOLIDAYS

By Kerri Dean

Although most regard the holidays as a joyous time of year, not everyone feels that way. It can be a sad and lonely time for seniors — especially those who live alone or not able to be with their loved ones.  In addition, some seniors might be reminded of the lost spouse, lost friends or family members.   It could be their first time spending the holidays without their significant other. These losses bring on depression and a lot of strong emotions that can be difficult to face alone.

You may be wondering what you can do to brighten up this time of the year for the elderly in your life.  Here are some suggestions:

Spend quality time with them.  This is important year-round, but especially during the holidays.  Perhaps look at old pictures or videos of Christmases past.  Ask them about their memories and take the time to let them walk down memory lane.

Plan a family get together.  There is no better way to lift someone’s spirit than to surround them with family and loved ones.  Get some of your family together and take a meal to your senior, or pick them up and bring them to your home for dinner and a game night.

Ask them for their help or advice with your holiday plans, decorating or cooking.  Seniors often get depressed because they feel they cannot participate in holiday planning the way they used to.  Even asking for an old family recipe, or perhaps a treasured family ornament to decorate with can make them feel included.

Reach out with a phone call, or if they are tech savvy, Skype or FaceTime.  Really listen to them when they want to talk.  Call to check in to see how they are doing and if they appear to wish to have a longer conversation, indulge them and spend the time in conversation.  Often, seniors just want to know that someone still cares about them.

Help your elderly loved one with their holiday planning.  Many seniors have a difficult time getting out and they may no longer be able to drive or get around stores like they used to.  See if they would like you to take them shopping.  Or, maybe you can help them shop online.  Offer to help them with their decorating, gift wrapping, or holiday baking.  The elderly may start to feel overwhelmed with all the things they’d like to do, but can’t accomplish alone, so your assistance can help them feel more at ease and enjoy the season!

If your senior is mobile, take them out for some holiday fun.  Getting out of the house can be a great distraction if they are feeling blue.  Arrange to go to a Christmas concert, museum, coffee shop, or just drive around and take in all of the holiday lights while listening to Christmas music.

Depression among senior citizens is often overlooked.  We need to be mindful of their moods.  If you feel the situation is serious, and that you are not having success in helping bring them out of their depression, consider bringing in a professional.  

We want everyone to be happy and joyous over the holidays, especially those who have made them that way for us in years past!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

This information is provided by CarePatrol of Kansas City, a senior housing placement agency that serves the Kansas City Missouri metro and northland area and surrounding counties. If you or your loved ones needs to find a new SAFE senior housing options, consider talking to a CarePatrol Senior Living Consultant. They will sit down with you, assess your needs and financial situation, and offer the best safe options they can find. They are also available for tours and guidance during your final search. You can contact a specialist at (816) 673-2507 or Tonyah@CarePatrol.com. Also find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CarePatrolKansasCity.