Guest article provided by: montebellocares.com

As the holidays roll in, there’s a circus of events and activities seniors become a part of with family gatherings, religious obligations, holiday celebrations, finding the perfect gift for each loved one, and more! Yet after the holiday decorations are packed away and families have gotten back to the everyday busyness of life, many older adults experience a prevalent but little-discussed issue: post-holiday depression.

While aging adults who live alone are the biggest concern for isolation and depression after the holidays are done, any older adult is at risk of feeling down as the new year approaches and they think back on the years past. It’s crucial for family members to formulate a plan to help a senior loved one enjoy a positive transition.

Give some thought to the following post-holiday senior care tips:

• Establish the next social gathering. Pin down a date in the near future for the next family event, helping the older loved one rest assured knowing they have a fun-filled gathering to look forward to. For instance, schedule an informal New Year’s resolution check-in gathering for the last week in January, where each person can report on his or her progress towards resolutions that were made, and each bringing a dish to share a potluck meal.
• Set up a chain letter. Put the family into groups of five, and assign numbers to each person 1-5.  The person with #1 begins by writing a short letter in the first week of January, mailing it to the #2 person, who reads and then adds to that letter and then sends to the #3 person – and so on. The final person in the chain adds to the letter and sends back to the first person to read, and then a new chain can be initiated. The ongoing letters will be a great pick-me-up for seniors.
• Start working with Montebello Home Care! Montebello Home Care works with only the most professional and experienced care companions to help with post-holiday depression! Our caregivers provide companion care in Orange and the surrounding areas and are adept in encouraging seniors to stay socially and physically active through a wide array of interesting activities, according to each person’s interests:
  • Puzzles, games, and crafts
  • Reminiscing and conversations
  • Transportation and accompaniment to fun outings
  • Exercise programs
  • And much more!

We can help an aging adult you love avoid post-holiday depression and create a sense of purpose, community, and connection all year round! We’re available for once-weekly visits, all the way up to  full-time senior overnight care in Orange and the nearby areas. Contact us at 409-276-7576 to learn more about our home care in Beaumont, TX and the nearby areas, or to request an in-home evaluation to determine what will work best in your particular situation. To learn more about the other areas that we serve in Texas, visit our Service Area page.

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