Remembering Seniors At Christmas

Air Date: 12/01/2003

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The holiday season can be a challenging time for the elderly. It is important to remember that family and friends can make a meaningful impact on these elderly persons' feelings of well-being through well-planned and enjoyable visits. REMSA offers tips for seniors and their families on how to make visits during the holidays more rewarding for everyone involved.

Ways To Help Seniors

• Include seniors in plans for holiday meals, visits, family gatherings, etc.
• Take seniors to church/synagogue services
• Provide gifts for seniors to help them feel included and remembered
• Support local senior centers/assisted living centers/nursing homes with visits, decorations, gifts and the like for their residents and visiting clients

Tips For Seniors

(Seniors may have a feeling of depression during the holidays. Here are some suggestions to avoid such feelings)

• Don't isolate yourself. If you can't be with family, invite some close friends over to share the holidays
• Volunteer your time. Many churches or civic groups would be glad to have your help. Helping others is a great way to be involved in helping others
• Try to avoid alcohol. Many seniors develop alcohol dependence after retirement or loss of a loved one. Alcohol is a depressant and will intensify feelings of sadness
• Watch your finances. Many seniors are on a fixed income. Set a budget for gift giving and stick to it. Don't feel guilty if you can't afford to by those grandchildren an expensive gift, it’s you they will remember, not the gifts. Overspending will cause worry over bills after the holidays are over
• Don't deny or try to hide feelings of sadness. Very often just being able to share your feelings with someone can help. Seek counseling if necessary
• To help cope with post holiday letdown, spend some time organizing and mounting photographs taken during the holiday. Take time to relive the fun and friendship

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