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Senior Companionship During the Holiday Season is a Compelling Need

family holiday with woman, son, and older man on couch exchanging gifts by a tree - Neighborly Home Care Senior Companionship

Many hardships can sometimes be associated with growing old, and those hardships can become especially difficult during the holiday season.  Seniors need love and support, and a special need exists for senior companionship during the holiday season.

Why Holidays Are Hard on Many Seniors

The year-end holidays are usually associated with being joyous and festive. However, older adults can easily be left out of that cheer. For some, the season becomes a time of sadness and feelings of isolation – particularly if loved ones and family members are either far away or fail to notice that depressed state. If you think an elderly loved one is acting strange or withdrawn, they may need senior companionship.

Numerous reasons exist for this occurrence:

  • Too many memories.  For someone who has lived for a long time, the holidays bring reminders of everyone they have lost along the way. Even for the happiest of seniors, this can make the holiday season a very bittersweet time.
  • Living apart from friends and loved ones. Many seniors in nursing homes may feel disconnected from true friends and family, making the holidays feel lonely even if they are living among other seniors. Visit if you are able, and try to arrange for additional calls. Sending cards is another way to stay in touch and make them feel included.
  • Living alone. Over 1/4 of American seniors live alone, and missing out on social interaction during the holidays can make anyone feel down.
  • Mobility issues. Some seniors want to be able to engage in holiday cheer but are prevented due to mobility problems or other physical health impairments. They may be physically incapable of joining in.
  • Financial burdens. When a senior is living on a fixed income, sometimes their financial state affects whether they can participate fully in the holidays. When they are unable to participate, their disappointment can add to the pain of old memories if they remember hosting parties or buying gifts they can no longer afford.

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The families we serve keep saying great things.

I just wanted to tell you how grateful we are that Neighborly Home Care stepped in & took over taking care of my Dad when we really needed it, no questions asked. Our caregiver has become part of the family and we know we can depend on her being there every day & taking great care of my Dad. He misses her when she’s not there!

— Daughter of an NHC Client

In addition, clinical depression is a major problem among older people, with an estimated 7 million retirees suffering from the disorder. The problem can be worse during holiday seasons. For some of those elderly people, senior companionship could ease the loneliness.

Give Love and Attention to The Seniors in Your Life

The solution to these problems can be straightforward: be aware of the emotional state of any seniors in your life and do your best to make them part of your holiday festivities. Bring them to events, even if special transport  is required. In the event they are unable to travel, consider hosting a holiday get-together at their place so they can enjoy festivities in the comfort of their own homes. Show them love and attention to lower the risk of loneliness and social isolation.

You could also look for volunteer opportunities to help older people in your community. You could donate presents, food, or time by visiting with older people with no one else to talk to. Contact a nearby nursing home or food bank; they will undoubtedly have suggestions for how you can help.

Senior Care Tips for Easing Loneliness

If you want to make a big difference in someone’s life this holiday season, spend some time with a senior citizen. You can spend time with your senior loved ones or volunteer at a senior care center; a mere half an hour of your time can make a monumental difference in the life of a senior. You can change someone’s whole season by volunteering to spend time with older adults this holiday.

Engage in a Dialogue Rather Than a Monologue

When visiting with a senior, listen closely to what they say. Some individuals simply want someone to pay attention to their sentiments, desires, and concerns. They might speak negatively about specific topics and sound depressed about almost everything. Lend a compassionate ear; if they complain about their health, the state of the world, the winter weather, or anything else, be empathetic. Remind the seniors in your life that you love them dearly.

Your Time Can Make an Enormous Difference

Remind the seniors in your life that you are happy to spend time with them during the holidays. Put on a smile, speak passionately, and engage in a dialogue. Your presence and willingness to listen might brighten a senior’s otherwise depressing holiday period. Refrain from checking your smartphone or displaying body language indicating you are disinterested in spending time with them.

 Stay Active During Your Visit

If you run out of conversation topics, do something constructive. Play a board game, work on a crossword puzzle together, or bake Christmas cookies. One of the best activities to enjoy with a senior is the creation of holiday cards. You can help create some or bring some that you have purchased. Help write unique messages by hand on each one. This activity will reinforce the idea that people count during the holidays.

Bring Along the Kids

Seniors may find it refreshing to receive visits from energetic, smiling children. When planning a visit, consider the time of day, the senior’s physical limitations, and the children’s temperament. With proper preparation, this visit might help alleviate a senior’s mental, emotional, or physical pain for a while, making it the best possible holiday gift.

Arrange Companionship Care

If you are unable to visit as long as you want, or your loved one will be alone for an extended time, especially when medical conditions exist, arrange for a friend or neighbor to check in on them. Neighborly Home Care offers hourly services or 24-hour care. For clients who need intermittent services, like regular appointments or errands, we offer care in increments of 2 up to 24 hours.

Neighborly Home Care Provides Senior Care Solutions

Whether you are wondering how to provide senior companionship to your loved one for the holidays or you have an older loved one for whom care is becoming difficult, we can help. We specialize in senior in-home care, allowing your senior loved ones to live as independently as possible, while making daily living easier. We create an individualized care plan to meet their needs and our care services make their quality of life the best it can be. Contact us today to learn more.