Cool Biz
Random Members
VAN ALSTYNE FITNESS
Joined on 12/13/2005
South Padre Island Texas Food Handler Classes
Joined on 5/18/2009
Grayson County Appraisal District
Joined on 6/4/2002
Austin Texas Food Handler Classes
Joined on 1/17/2009
TexomaCW
Joined on 8/9/2008
World News
Local Movies
| Click here to add your business! | Click here to add your FREE profile! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
News |
News Home
Tips for a Better Holiday Season for our Elderly
Article By: by
Barron Law Firm
Posted: 12/7/2009 Views: 788 Impressions: 2734
Categories: Education, Home Life: Health, Social Services: Social Issues
Posted: 12/7/2009 Views: 788 Impressions: 2734
Categories: Education, Home Life: Health, Social Services: Social Issues
View Opinions | Post Your Opinion
As an Elderlaw Firm doing Life Care Planning, we at Barron Law have the opportunity to interact with many providers of services for older persons. One such provider, Visiting Angels out of Plano, TX sent the following tips to their contacts. Reading through, the article made a great deal of sense. With the author's permission, we pass it along to you.... Our thanks to co-owners Theresa and Steve Kolp at Visiting Angels (214-491-1999 or 1-800-365-4189).
Special thanks to Jeffrey Johnson for re-print permission...
Tips for a Better Holiday Season for our Elderly
from Jeffrey Johnson, Co-founder of Visiting Angels Living Assistance
We all know that after "Black Friday" the Holidays will soon follow. This
can mean gifts, parties, and much merriment for so many of us. Yet, for our
elderly, the Holidays can mean experiencing sadness from the loss of a loved one, or an inability to have enough energy to participate in family
activities, or even a full bout of depression. With nearly 20% of Americans
over the age of 65 suffering from depression (as per the National Institutes of Health), having a cheerful holiday can be nearly impossible without some help from all of us. It is imperative that we recognize the symptoms of depression, then offer up some tips for resolving those issues, and possibly offer some medical advice. Below are some better known symptoms that we might be able to identify in an elder person who could be suffering from
some form of depression. Be aware that just because a person shows some of
these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean they are depressed, but it
could warrant further review:
* Loss of weight.
* Fatigue.
* Talk of death or suicide.
* Loss of appetite.
* Significant change in mood/attitude.
* Poor hygiene habits.
* Poor ability to concentrate.
* Expressing feelings of hopelessness or sadness.
We must be aware that some depression might be caused from a medical
issue. For example, urinary tract infections may cause confusion in an elder person, or, a lack of certain vitamins may also be the culprit in certain forms of depression.
In addition to the above, families should become aware of their older
relatives' possible limitations with respect to participating in Holiday
activities. Some seniors may just not have the energy to keep up with
children and grandchildren, or they may be experiencing sad memories as a
result of the recent loss of a spouse. Although these limitations may lead
us to review the possibility of depression in that person, we can still
proactively move forward in trying to alter our normal celebrations in order
to accommodate our elder loved one. Below are some examples of how we might
do that:
* Encourage the senior to participate in alternative activities, i.e.,
cooking holiday cookies, organizing the photos by families, or even telling stories of their celebrations when she was a child.
* Make certain to go the extra mile in getting the elder involved - i.e.,
extra phone calls, more frequent visits, asking for her help with certain tasks, etc.
* Make sure that the elder loved one is included in activities.
* Make sure the elder loved one is comfortable in whomever's home the
holiday is being celebrated. For example, no scatter rugs, easy access to the bathroom, etc.
* Encourage family members to speak with the elder loved one . . . You
might be surprised how much family will enjoy that.
* Be certain that the elder loved one is eating, drinking, and has her
medications with her.
The Holidays should be a wonderful time, but for some it is a very
difficult period as the Holidays can bring up memories that are sad or even
exacerbate already existing forms of depression. Be aware of the elder's
situation and feelings, and attempt to reduce any possible negative effects
that the Holidays may place on them. With some measured thoughtfulness, a
bit of planning and genuine caring, all those attending the Holiday parties
can have a great time.
. . . . Jeffrey Johnson
Send this story to a friend
View Opinions | Post Your Opinion
Additional Links
Related Categories