The winter season can be a challenging time for many people. Colder temperatures and inclement weather can cause us to feel isolated and bored, leading to seasonal depression. This can be more prevalent in our aging adult population who often live alone or have limited interaction with the outside world.
If this sounds like you or someone you know, it’s important to move into the winter with a plan in place to counteract the effects of these “winter blues” so you can not only survive these colder, darker days, but also thrive in this new season. Here are some tips you may wish to try.
Establish a Daily Routine
Contrary to what many think, a routine does not add to the monotony of the day, rather it gives it structure and keeps you from getting stuck in a rut. The key is to map out a daily routine that includes variety and movement. In the winter months, it can be hard to find motivation and opportunities to be active. By establishing a schedule in advance, you can identify such opportunities and see that they take place. You can also schedule a nice rhythm of activity with relaxation and intentional quiet time.
Schedule Out Special Events
While we’re talking about scheduling, you should also schedule out your calendar of upcoming special events, visits, and activities that give you something to look forward to. During December you may have holiday gatherings or family events to attend. Even when your day-to-day routine may feel dull, being able to look ahead to a date on the calendar when there is something special taking place can be the much needed light in the winter darkness.
Look to the Bright Side
Lamps that mimic sunlight are very popular among people who feel the winter blues. Exposing yourself to this type of light therapy every day has been proven to drastically improve Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If you or someone you know suffers from SAD (i.e. the winter blues), then this would be a great holiday or “thinking of you” gift to give them.
Call On Friends and Family
Local friends and family are a great resource to help make the winter months a little brighter. Reach out to encourage them to pay your loved one a visit. Having even just one new visitor a week will help add variety to their schedule and give them something to look forward to on a regular basis.
Turn to Technology
When friends and family are not local and cannot make house calls, don’t forget about technology’s power to connect us with one another, no matter how far. Use FaceTime, Skype, Google Chat or Facebook to see and hear your loved one in real time. This adds so much more dimension to a conversation than voice alone.
Hire a Professional Caregiver
And finally, even if you implement all of these other tips, your loved one might also benefit from the care and companionship of a professional caregiver. It may be just a few visits a week to check in on things and to spend some one-on-one time together. Though the winter can be particularly lonely for aging adults, it doesn’t have to be that way. Professional caregivers are an excellent resource to brighten someone’s day and bring joy to the winter.
If you or someone you know struggles with feeling sad or alone during the winter, consider offering them these tips to help them find happiness in this season, and every season!
As we approach Thanksgiving, many of us start to turn our minds toward the many things for which we can be grateful for in the current year. 2019 has brought change and growth for Ella Home Care, as well as one more year of doing what we love to do – help others! This alone makes us want to pause for a moment to reflect on the many reasons to smile and give thanks this year, and every year.
It can be hard to come to terms with the fact that an aging loved one may need the help of an in home caregiver to assist them with essential daily tasks. We all want to believe that our parents, or other extended family will always be capable of caring for themselves and living independently, safely. Unfortunately, that is often not the case.
Halloween fun has no age limit. There are many activities that can be enjoyed by the teeniest trick-or-treaters all the way to the most seasoned “ghouls” and “goblins.” All it takes is a little creativity and a spirited attitude. For our senior adults, Halloween can be a fun and festive holiday with much to enjoy. Take a look at a variety of ways in which you can partake in Halloween activities at any age or ability level.
It’s bittersweet to bid farewell to summer, but the fall brings with its some unique benefits like cooler weather which is a welcome break from high temps and humidity. Especially for senior adults, the very warm summer days can make it dangerous to spend too much time outside, limiting activities during peak daylight hours to shaded or air conditioned space. So with the arrival of fall, we wanted to offer a variety of outdoor activities you might enjoy sharing with an adding loved one this season. Take a look!