The holidays can evoke many wonderful memories and help a person find joy in the world again. But what makes so many people happy during the holidays can make someone struggling to find their joy feel even more isolated and alone. When feelings of isolation hit, seeing others with their families and friends laughing and enjoying the holidays, can make your loved one feel worse. Providing veterans’ home care services that are focused on Veterans is one way to remind your loved one that you care for him and all that he’s sacrificed for our country.
If you aren’t physically able to be there throughout the holiday season, just planning one large family gathering may not be enough to help your loved one bear the loneliness of the holidays but there are steps you can take to help him connect with his community and neighbors this year so he doesn’t feel completely alone.
Why Are Seniors Lonely During the Holidays?
The holidays can be especially tough for seniors for several reasons. Sometimes it hinges on poor health or mobility issues. They may not have the strength or stamina to get out and see the people they want to see. For other seniors, the holidays remind them of the people they’ve lost, like a spouse, a sibling, or even a child. Not being able to share the holidays with those departed loved ones can make your senior feel especially lonely. Still, other seniors aren’t sure how to connect with others during this time of year so they isolate themselves.
Encouraging Your Loved One to Connect This Holiday Season
Fortunately, even if you live a distance from your loved one or have a busy schedule that doesn’t permit very many visits, you can encourage and assist your senior in connecting with others this time of year. One of the wonderful things about the holiday season is that there are usually plenty of ways to enjoy the season with others through special events and gatherings.
Here are four easy ways for your loved one to connect
At a Place of Worship. If your loved one is part of a faith community, many places of worship have extra services, community meals, holiday performances, and more that will welcome your senior as a participant. Even if he hasn’t been to his place of worship in years or he wants to try a new one, this is a welcoming time of year.
At a Community Center. If there is a community center, especially one that caters to seniors, help your loved one connect with them to see what events are occurring this season.
As a Volunteer. From ushering at a Christmas play to serving meals to the homeless, your loved one can find plenty of opportunities to serve others while creating connections for himself.
At Local Schools. Almost all schools have concerts and plays this time of year and anyone can go. They are often very low-cost or free and make a great place to meet neighbors.
Providing Holiday Spirit with Veterans’ Home Care
If your loved one is a veteran and struggles with the holidays like many seniors, it can be especially difficult for him. Many Veterans were deployed over holidays so this time of year can be especially hard for them as it brings back memories of lost comrades and even family members. A provider with veterans’ home care experience can help your loved one find unique ways to cope with and even enjoy the holidays.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Veterans’ Home Care Services in State College PA, please get in touch with the caring staff at Quality Health Services.
Call today! Northern Counties: (814) 251-9044
Blair, Cambria, & Centre Counties: (582) 220-2127
Quality Health Services is a trusted non-medical senior care provider in Dubois, Punxsutawney, Bellefonte, Jefferson, Brockway, Brookville, Clearfield, St Marys, Emporium, Philipsburg, Blair County, Cambria County, and Centre County, PA areas.
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