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 Vitalia North Royalton, 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 persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, changes in sleep patterns such as insomnia or excessive sleeping, irritability, and changes in eating habits.
Helping our residents combat the holiday blues involves creating a supportive and engaging environment. We encourage the residents to engage in all the festive events planned for the holiday season. By creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere, providing opportunities for social engagement, and addressing feelings of loss or loneliness, we can significantly help alleviate holiday blues among our residents.
Loneliness is one of the most common causes of depression in older adults during the holiday season. To help combat that, we create a safe space for them to share their feelings and memories of their loved ones, are available to listen without judgment, and offer comfort to those who wish to talk about their feelings of loss.
Encouraging new and fulfilling traditions within our community, especially during the holiday season, can significantly enhance the sense of belonging among our residents. Having storytelling sessions could be a fun, new tradition within our community. Organized sessions could be held where the residents share stories or memories, providing an opportunity for reflection and learning.
VITALIA® North Royalton in North Royalton, OH 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 Parma Hospital and Southwest General Hospital with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Ridgewood Golf Course, Southpark Mall, Sleepy Hallow Golf Course, Cleveland Metro Parks, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and Heavily Hills Farm.
