AARP suggests you can make the most of the holidays by using the time with your elderly loved one to assess
how they’re faring.
It recommends considering areas such as mobility, health, and finances. These are all problem spots that can contribute to depression when difficulties arise.
You can pick up on clues that something may not be right. Sometimes the signs will be obvious, such as when hygiene or home care has clearly been neglected or when the person is obviously confused or malnourished. Other times, the clues may be more subtle. Here they share some of the signs you can watch for, which may indicate concern:
Rotten or expired food in the fridge/pantry, increased convenience or junk food (signs that the elder is having trouble fixing meals), weight loss
Minor injuries, bruises or cuts
Forgetfulness, signs of missed appointments or “covering” for memory loss (changing the subject quickly when an oversight is mentioned, vague conversations, trouble finding words, etc.)
Signs that the person is withdrawing from normal activities
Limiting activity to one room/area
Unsteadiness when walking or “furniture walking”
Changes in personality or mood
During your visit Help with specific tasks, holiday traditions are important and simply helping an elderly relative carry on those traditions can mean a lot to them. For example, you might help an elderly loved one with their favorite holiday recipe, help them decorate and/or wrap presents, help them send holiday cards to their other loved ones, and so on.
Don’t ask them to “snap out of it.” If an elderly loved one seems depressed during the holidays, it isn’t productive or helpful to ask them to “snap out of it” or “get their act together.” Instead, encourage them to talk about what they’re feeling.
If you can’t visit, CALL. You may live away from your elderly relative and aren’t able to be with them during the holidays. If so, be sure to call them frequently and encourage other family members and friends to call them. Encourage your elderly relative to take part in holiday activities and events. Staying busy can be a great way to beat the holiday blues.
Watch for ongoing signs of depression. What at first may seem like the “holiday blues” could turn into depression if not treated. If signs of depression continue in an elderly relative after the holidays are over, help them seek treatment.
Keep up communication. The fun and excitement that come with the holidays may actually help to buoy your loved one’s spirits. Sometimes the trouble can come after the holidays when elderly loved ones may experience loneliness or post-holiday sadness. Visit elderly loved ones frequently after the holidays. If you don’t live close by, call or send cards. Just let them know you’re thinking about them.
Follow up. If you’ve spoken to an elderly loved one about seeking care, be sure to follow up with them after the holidays. Don’t let the matter drop. Check in with them to see if they’ve sought help and ask if they need help.
Sources:
https://easylivingfl.com/holidays-and-the-elderly/
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/
https://www.aclsonline.us/articles/the-guide-to-overcoming-holiday-depression-for-the-elderly-and-their-caretakers/