The holidays are full of festivities, families, and fun. However, for many elderly individuals the holidays can cause depression, loneliness, and isolation. If you have ever noticed that your aging loved one is experiencing symptoms of dementia, sadness, or other symptoms often associated with dementia, the holiday season is the perfect time consider moving them to assisted living.
Moving during the holiday season may seem a little overwhelming, but here are the top 5 reasons to move during this time:
1. Overcome loneliness and depression
Depression affects approximately 6 million Americans over the age of 65. However, only 10% receive treatment. This could be attributed to mistaking depression for illnesses, disabilities, or cognitive decline. There are many reasons that the holidays trigger depression in seniors. For example, there could be a loss of a spouse, loss of independence or being separated from families, especially during the pandemic. By moving your loved one into an assisted living community during the holidays, it allows for increased socialization and activities to keep your loved one engaged. Socialization, companionship, and engagements are known to help reduce loneliness and depression.
2. Holiday-related engagements
To share in the holiday cheer, assisted living communities often organize holiday-themed events with residents. Having a holiday during the COVID-19 pandemic can be challenging, but there is a plethora of activities that residents can enjoy. From wreath making and gift wrapping to enjoying a hot cocoa bar or full holiday feast, everyone can stay safe while still celebrating the holidays and sharing the holiday spirit.
3. Make new friends
Attending events and social gatherings where people have common interests is one of the best and easiest ways to make friends. Communities are a great way to talk through feelings about life, aging, living with dementia, or losing a loved one. Friendships formed during times of support tend to be long-term. Being comfortable enough around others to share deep concerns helps to increase confidence and boost self-esteem.
4. Secure your new home
Many families want to wait until the beginning of the year to move their loved one into an assisted living community. However, securing your loved one’s new home before January allows you to beat the rush and get your loved one settled before the flood of new residents begin. Additionally, you may have better options of choosing the apartment of your choice as well as special financial savings that are sometimes offered at the end of the year. Waiting until the new year, could also result in being put on a waitlist due to the increase traffic.
5. Decision makers are
together When it comes to placing parents in an assisted living community and helping them transition, adult children are typically the decision makers. Since most families get together during the holidays, it’s a great time to tour communities. To help avoid delays, it’s best to make a decision while everyone is together. This is especially important if there is a noticeable decline in your loved one’s mental, physical, or emotional health.
Final Thoughts
Moving during the holiday season may seem challenging and exhausting. But if a senior moves during the holidays he or she can enjoy all of the festivities and events likely to occur during that time. Most importantly with everyone together, it will make the transition to assisted living easier and smoother.
