Moving into a long-term facility can be one of the most stressful and lonely times in a person’s life. Not only is it a huge change, but it often marks a reduction in independence, a change in schedule, food, and ability to see family. During the holidays, that natural loneliness is exacerbated as family and friends get busy and another year approaches. Here are some tips for seniors to banish loneliness during the holidays.
Loneliness in Nursing Homes
Loneliness is a common problem in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. We’ve reported on the problem, as well as some solutions, before, noting the influence of staffing standards, staff training, and the presence of advocates and family councils on whether or not residents feel lonely or suffer from depression.
What’s more, neglect or abuse can cause residents to retreat more into themselves and refuse to participate in activities resulting in even worse loneliness and depression, as well as anxiety and worsening health.
At the end of the day, it is important to not only visit loved ones, but take note of their mood, encourage participation, and advocate for more programs and better staffing in order to take a holistic approach to banishing loneliness in nursing homes.
Whether you live in a long-term care facility or aging at home, there are many reasons to feel lonely during the holidays, and many ways to help combat that loneliness.
Maintain a schedule. Perhaps easier said than done, stay consistent with your normal schedule during the holidays. This familiarity helps keep you active and maintain a sense of achievement. It also ensures you still attend events, classes, and other activities you would normally go to.
Stay connected. Luckily, the holidays are a common time to have parties and extra activities. We encourage you to attend as many as possible! You can also reach out to loved ones and friends, send cards, or host a dinner yourself to bring people together. Regardless, keeping in touch and staying connected is vital to banishing loneliness.
Do what you enjoy. If there is a tradition, activity, or hobby you love, take the time to do it. During the holidays, there is always something fun going on, and if there isn’t, make it happen. Gather like-minded people together to take part in a shared hobby or interest and make sure you have fun with people you love.
Visit loved ones. This one is the advocates, family, and loved ones of residents in long-term care facilities. You, too, can help banish loneliness by taking time to visit your loved one and spend quality time with them. Take them to activities, enjoy a meal with them, go shopping with them, or simply sit and chat with them.
Learn More About Banishing Loneliness
There are many ways to combat this curse of the nursing home life. It’s important to remember that connectedness is important and seniors deserve dignity and care at all stages of life, in and out of nursing homes. It is up to us to ensure that they have plenty to occupy and interest them, and plenty of visitors during the holidays.
Learn more about banishing loneliness from Front Porch.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of neglect or abuse, call Gharibian Law (866-798-8606) for a FREE consultation and the best legal representation.
Tips for Seniors to Banish Loneliness During the Holidays
Moving into a long-term facility can be one of the most stressful and lonely times in a person’s life. Not only is it a huge change, but it often marks a reduction in independence, a change in schedule, food, and ability to see family. During the holidays, that natural loneliness is exacerbated as family and friends get busy and another year approaches. Here are some tips for seniors to banish loneliness during the holidays.
Loneliness in Nursing Homes
Loneliness is a common problem in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. We’ve reported on the problem, as well as some solutions, before, noting the influence of staffing standards, staff training, and the presence of advocates and family councils on whether or not residents feel lonely or suffer from depression.
What’s more, neglect or abuse can cause residents to retreat more into themselves and refuse to participate in activities resulting in even worse loneliness and depression, as well as anxiety and worsening health.
At the end of the day, it is important to not only visit loved ones, but take note of their mood, encourage participation, and advocate for more programs and better staffing in order to take a holistic approach to banishing loneliness in nursing homes.
Tips for Seniors to Banish Loneliness
Whether you live in a long-term care facility or aging at home, there are many reasons to feel lonely during the holidays, and many ways to help combat that loneliness.
Maintain a schedule. Perhaps easier said than done, stay consistent with your normal schedule during the holidays. This familiarity helps keep you active and maintain a sense of achievement. It also ensures you still attend events, classes, and other activities you would normally go to.
Stay connected. Luckily, the holidays are a common time to have parties and extra activities. We encourage you to attend as many as possible! You can also reach out to loved ones and friends, send cards, or host a dinner yourself to bring people together. Regardless, keeping in touch and staying connected is vital to banishing loneliness.
Do what you enjoy. If there is a tradition, activity, or hobby you love, take the time to do it. During the holidays, there is always something fun going on, and if there isn’t, make it happen. Gather like-minded people together to take part in a shared hobby or interest and make sure you have fun with people you love.
Visit loved ones. This one is the advocates, family, and loved ones of residents in long-term care facilities. You, too, can help banish loneliness by taking time to visit your loved one and spend quality time with them. Take them to activities, enjoy a meal with them, go shopping with them, or simply sit and chat with them.
Learn More About Banishing Loneliness
There are many ways to combat this curse of the nursing home life. It’s important to remember that connectedness is important and seniors deserve dignity and care at all stages of life, in and out of nursing homes. It is up to us to ensure that they have plenty to occupy and interest them, and plenty of visitors during the holidays.
Learn more about banishing loneliness from Front Porch.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of neglect or abuse, call Gharibian Law (866-798-8606) for a FREE consultation and the best legal representation.