December 1, 2023
For many, the holiday season is a joyful, happy time built around togetherness, family, and friends. Still, for some, it can be very stressful and filled with overwhelming expectations, depression, and anxiety. The holiday season can be a reminder of those who are not with us anymore, financial limitations, sadness from being separated from loved ones, and the loss of treasured traditions.
At Vitalia Strongsville, we understand celebrating this time of year doesn’t have to be sad or overwhelming. It can be a peaceful time of reminiscing, volunteering, spending time with friends, and creating new traditions!
Anything can trigger a resident’s depression during the holiday season. The signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress we should monitor for during the holiday season include self-isolation, increased behaviors, and more anger or agitation as the holidays draw near.
To help residents eliminate the holiday blues, we keep them active and encourage them to participate in festivities. There are several events around the holidays; the more their mind and body are kept busy, the less time and energy they will have for being “blue.” Loneliness is one of the most common causes of depression in older adults during the holiday season. To help combat that, we need to encourage the residents to get out and enjoy the festivities. Participation in events and socializing with other residents will allow the loneliness to dissipate. Making friends, being social, and enjoying the holiday cheer can be encouraging.
Our community encourages new and fulfilling traditions by asking the residents what traditions were most important to them and trying to incorporate some of their ideas to get more participation in the holiday festivities.
The holiday season means different things to each of us. The holidays are about family, friends, food, and tradition. For many, the smells, tastes, and decorations bring memories flooding back. We hope some of these ideas will be helpful as the holidays approach.
VITALIA® Strongsville in Strongsville, OH offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near Southwest General Hospital with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Mallard Creek, Southpark Mall, Strongsville Historical Society, The Greens of Strongsville Shopping , and Don’s Pomeroy House.
