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 The Castlewood Senior Living, we understand celebrating during 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!
The signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress we should monitor for during the holiday season. Include a decrease in appetite, change in sleeping patterns, withdrawal from routine or activities, isolation, being very tearful or angry, and lashing out at others.
To help residents eliminate the holiday blues, we encourage them to partake in activities, sit and listen as they talk about their past holidays and traditions, and encourage them to start new traditions. Creating a support group for the residents to share their feelings and see they are not alone would also be a good idea.
Loneliness is one of the most common causes of depression in older adults during the holiday season. To help combat that, we engage them in reminiscing activities, such as looking through photo albums or sharing stories. This can foster a sense of connection and bring back positive memories.
New and fulfilling traditions are encouraged within our community by beginning with simple and manageable traditions that are easy to implement. This allows the community to adapt and grow accustomed to the idea of new traditions without being overwhelmed. We asked the residents what traditions they had and what new ones they would like to start.
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 help you as the holidays approach.
The Castlewood Senior Living in Nixa, MO 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 Cox Medical Center South and with convenient access to major shopping centers, including Fremont Hills Country Club, Fountain Plaza, Smallin Civil War Cave, 160 Grand Prix Amusement Center, and the 4 X 4 Brewery-Fremont.
