Comfort Home Care

Maryland In-Home Care Agency

Serving Montgomery County, Howard County, Prince George's County and Washington DC
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Help Seniors Battle the Holiday Blues

depresssed senior, holiday bluesWhile the holiday season can inspire feelings of joy, warmth, and belonging, it can have quite a different effect on some. The period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s can evoke feelings of loneliness, stress and anxiety.

The holiday blues is a real phenomenon. A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, revealed that 38% of those surveyed said they felt more stress due to a lack of time and lack of money during the holiday season. The pressures of gift-giving and family gatherings also added their stress levels.

How to Avoid the Holiday Blues

Schedule Time Together
We can get overwhelmed with all the To Do’s on our lists. Making our loved ones feel important needs to be at the top of that list. Whether you get together in person, over the phone, or virtually, schedule a mutually agreeable time and put it on the calendar.

Involve Your Senior
The holidays are full of activities, celebrations, and meals. Ask your senior for their opinions on all the details – from planning, and table settings, to the decorations, and any games played. By including your senior in on these decisions you are telling them they are still valued and their opinions matter.

holiday traditions with grandmaContinue the Traditions
Is there a favorite movie you and your family watch every year? Do you drive around looking at holiday lights? Is there a specific dish that is always served? Ask your senior if they want to join you in these activities. And definitely make their special dish. All of these will bring back happy memories of times and things they love.

Relive the Past
Pull out the photo albums. This is the perfect opportunity to share and process memories of years past. Ask about their favorite things: music, vacation, accomplishments. We can learn a lot about each other in a life review as well as boost self-esteem. You can learn more about conducting Life Reviews in this article.

Don’t be afraid to share sad memories. This can be a healthy way to release those normal feelings.

Be Present and Enjoy the Moment
Block out the distractions. Turn off the phones, or at least set them aside, so you can give all of your attention to your loved ones. Fully engage in the games and celebrations. And if things don’t go quite as planned, don’t worry about it. Don’t get anxious about how it could have been or should have been. Instead fully enjoy all that it is.

Can Professional In-Home Care Help?

If you are unable to be in-person with your senior in Washington DC, Montgomery County, Howard or Prince George’s County, we can help.

Our licensed caregivers can provide help with the 6 activities of daily living as well as companionship for your senior this holiday season.

We are happy to discuss your family’s specific needs – contact us via our website or call 301-888-5253.

Not sure if you need in-home care? This article When Do You Need an Aide can provide some assistance.

Resources:
https://states.aarp.org/mississippi/managing-the-holidays-for-seniors

https://www.aclsonline.us/articles/the-guide-to-overcoming-holiday-depression-for-the-elderly-and-their-caretakers/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evidence-based-living/201712/what-we-know-about-the-holiday-blues

https://www.healthline.com/health/life-review-therapy#reasons-fortherapy

Couples Care: Keeping Relationships Whole

Couples Care: Keeping Relationships Whole
One guide you might find helpful:

Selecting an in-home caregiver? Learn why couples care is an affordable solution for families.

In-Home Care Providers: Agency Vs. Independent Contractors

Agency Vs. Independent In-home Care Provider
One guide you might find helpful:

Selecting an in-home caregiver? Learn the basics about Agency Vs. Independent Contractors In-Home Care Providers.

Is it Time for In-Home Care

Is it Time for In-Home Care
One guide you might find helpful:

Need a to know when to use In-Home Care? Read our guide "Is it Time for In-Home Care"!

A Family Guide for In-Home Dementia Care

Family Guide for In-Home Dementia Care
One guide you might find helpful:

Need a guide for In-home dementia care? Read our family guide for In-home dementia care!

Coming Home From Rehab. Now what?

Coming Home From Rehab. Now what?
One guide you might find helpful:

Need to know what to do after coming home from rehab? Read our guide "Coming Home From Rehab. Now what?"!

The Changing Care Needs of Parkinson’s Disease Patients

The Changing Care Needs of Parkinson’s Disease Patients
One guide you might find helpful:

Need to know about the changing care needs of parkinson's disease ? Read our guide "The Changing Care Needs of Parkinson’s Disease Patients"!

Understanding Strokes and Recovery

Understanding Strokes and Recovery
One guide you might find helpful:

Need to know about the warning signs of strokes? Read our guide "Understanding Strokes and Recovery"!

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121 Congressional Lane, Suite 201 Rockville, MD 20852
4000 Albermarle St., NW, Suite LL15 Washington D.C., 20016
301-984-7681

During this period of uncertainty, we want you to know that we are here for you and your family!

Comfort Home care is an essential business and we will, therefore, be operating normal hours.

We take safety seriously and our professional caregivers will follow our strict protocols in addition to adhering with CDC, federal, state and local guidelines.

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