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 Cedar Trails Senior Living, we understand celebrating 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 withdrawal, poor hygiene, crying, decreased appetite, short temper, and agitation.
To help residents eliminate the holiday blues, we provide a good, meaningful holiday experience by having events in the community for residents to attend and make sure, if there is family, we are helping to facilitate family coming or them or residents going out with family to enjoy the holiday. Loneliness is one of the most common causes of depression in older adults during the holiday season. To help combat that, we spend time with them, encouraging them to attend events and helping get families involved to ensure they do not feel lonely and isolated.
Our community encourages new and fulfilling traditions by discussing their favorite traditions with residents and trying to incorporate them into our traditions. A resident council could also assist with holiday event planning.
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.
Cedar Trails Senior Living in Freeburg, IL 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 St. Elizabeth’s Hospital with convenient access to major shopping centers, including The Orchards Golf Club, Target, Eckerts Belleville Farm, Braeutigam Orchards, and the Belle Clair fairgrounds & Expo Center.
