Whether the older adult is a family member or a client you are caring for, take notice of their mood. The holidays can be a painful reminder of the passage of time and the absence of their contemporaries. If he or she seems withdrawn, agitated or just different from their usual self, don’t rule out depression as a possibility. It’s estimated that as many as one in seven older adults suffer from late-life depression (University of Michigan Depression Center), particularly those who have lost a spouse, recently retired or have been dealing with a chronic health condition. Keep your eyes open for key symptoms which include: feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, heightened physical pain, loss of pleasure in activities that are usually enjoyable, changes in appetite and sleep patterns and nervousness and anxiety (Geriatric Mental Health Foundation). If you observe any of these symptoms, talk with the older adult about getting help and schedule a depression screening with a counselor, social worker or psychologist.
But depression isn’t the only thing to keep in mind as the holidays drawer near. Here are a few more ideas to help you and yours enjoy the festivities:
• Prepare mentally. For some family members, several years may have passed since they last saw a grandparent, great-grandparent or elderly relative. Make sure to prepare everyone so they aren’t shocked to see that their loved one’s health has declined and their physical appearance has dramatically changed. And if memory loss has become a problem, make sure everyone is well aware of it so as to avoid insensitive comments such as: “How could you forget our trip to Hawaii? We had such a great time.”
• Plan in advance. Older people can be over stimulated by noise and activity. To avoid exhaustion and disorientation, allocate a spare bedroom as a quiet space where she or he can retreat from the holiday festivities.
• Life review. Memories are important to seniors and can be particularly powerful during the holidays. Ask them to share some of their favorite Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Kwanza and Christmas memories. Encourage them to bring out old photo albums and play music to bring those happy memories flooding back.
• Safety-proof your home. If an older adult is coming for an overnight visit, make sure to safety proof your home. Remove all throw rugs from the floor so as to avoid dangerous falls; install grab bars in the shower, around the tub and near the toilet; make sure all nooks and crannies are well-lit; install night lights in the bathrooms, hallways and guest bedrooms; apply non-skid stickers in the bathtub; remove clutter to keep walkways clear and repair any broken steps or missing railings.
• Follow a schedule. The chaos of holiday gatherings usually means that something or someone will get lost in the shuffle, just make sure it isn’t an older adult’s medication! Know where the medications are at all times and check to make sure it’s being taken on schedule.
• Be inclusive. Just because an older adult has a physical and/or mental disability doesn’t mean they can’t cut, slice and dice veges or perform some other useful functions in the kitchen. Make sure everyone plays a role in preparing the holiday feast.
Given the mobile society in which we live, adult children now move around the country – if not the world – with relative ease and the holidays are often the only time families see each other. These visits are a great opportunity to observe your older parent’s health and debrief with their caregiver. If there is no caregiver, maybe it’s time to get one. Log onto TheCaringSpace.com to locate an appropriate companion or caregiver to visit on a regular basis. Make sure to involve the older adult in the process so their voice is heard. Not only will this give the adult child peace of mind, it will give the older adult a sense of safety and security.
Happy Holidays!
posted by sweetpattieann
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