The holiday seasons are times for gathering with family, friends and loved ones. You can feel the excitement from the chilly weather to the holiday decorations, but for some it is a time of loneliness. The holiday season brings to light the period of loneliness in seniors. There are some losses too that can impede the healthiest people including death among aging relatives and illness which can also account for loneliness.

These are few ways we can help reduce loneliness in seniors during the holiday season:

Explore their hobbies and other areas of interest
This is the best of time to assist seniors in enjoying their hobbies. For a senior that loves cooking, bake traditional cookies or treats and other foods preferably of their choice for the celebration.

Send gifts over
Always remind your loved ones how thankful you are for having them in your life and how much they mean to you, also remind them of how important they are as part of your own celebration and the entire family. Send a holiday card with a warm message and gifts.

They may also have some friends and family they would want to send gifts to. Help them with that too.

Make communication a priority
Let your loved ones know that celebration of the season is not just about parties, food or drinks. It is a season to make communication a priority as well. It is a time to focus on the people and the values that we cherish so much and to remind our loved ones of the important roles they have played in our lives.
Always make it a point to actively listen when your loved ones want to have a conversation. A sincere conversation can help them process what is bothering them in whichever situation they might have found themselves; whether mourning a loss or coming to terms with challenges in life.

Assist them in festive decoration
Help your aged ones in decorating their rooms or homes depending on their location at the time of the season. Not just the decoration, also remember the safety measures that need to be put in place like avoiding electrical string, candles and other hazardous gadgets in their surroundings.

Spend time together
One way to feel less lonely during this holiday season is to give your time. If your parent is in a Nursing Home or an Assisted Living Facility, make enquires from the activity director to know if you can arrange for children to visit. Spend time with them listening to music, looking at family photos and videos. As we reduce the level of loneliness in seniors during this holiday season, we should also encourage them to take part in social activities organized in their community or neighborhood. Such places may include their place of worship like church, temples or mosque.

References:
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/elderly-loneliness-during-holidays-148441.htm#:~:text=The%20most%20important%20thing%20you,music%2C%20or%20do%20crafts%20together.
https://www.ncoa.org/blog/how-to-fight-loneliness-seniors-this-holiday/

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Lorraine Arkaifie, MSN, AGPCNP-BC

Founder & Director of Services at Adult Alternative Home Care

After completing nursing school in 2009, she worked as a Registered Nurse with the elderly in nursing homes, hospitals and in their homes. She went on to complete advance nurse training with a focus in Geriatrics. As she gained more clinical experience, she was encouraged to pursue her dreams of establishing a home care organization that will provide excellent services to members of her community. With over ten years clinical knowledge, she has perfected the skills to establish rapport and support of the frail and elderly we serve. She loves what she does and will love to help you or your loved ones get the care and support they need.

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