Caring For A Loved One, Seasons & Holidays
By Kristin Stetler Donovan, Owner
Aging In Place Senior Care Service
It seems like a lifetime ago when I was trying to juggle three children, their school, sports activities and all the rest of the activities surrounding their lives while simultaneously caring for my two elderly parents. I focused on everyone else’s needs, and often I was the easiest person to neglect.
The reason I share this is because I know that we all struggle with life’s demands. With fall upon us, winter not far behind, and all the associated holidays that come with the seasons, things in life can get more hectic. The seasons changing has a significant impact on seniors that sometimes people don’t realize. The days get shorter, and the darkness sets in early. For many seniors with cognitive decline, this is confusing and creates sadness. Seniors tend to want to be in their home before dark, which leads to more time alone and potential isolation. The time change can also disrupt sleep patterns, exacerbate sundowning symptoms in those with dementia, and potentially increase the risk of falls and accidents.
What I’ve heard from many of my client’s families is that between visits, especially from Thanksgiving to Christmas, they are seeing a change in mom’s or dad’s behavior, and sometimes have grown concerned about their ability to stay safely in their home or to manage household tasks or chores. I have received many calls throughout the winter months from children with growing concern for their loved ones. For those of you that have the ability to support your loved one, it may require a bit more of your time throughout the fall and winter months. This commitment can create an inordinate amount of stress for those that have families or occupations that limit the amount of time they can devote to a loved one’s care.
Sometimes the holidays create a sense of sadness or despair, unlike younger days when there was anticipation and excitement. In the past, homes were filled with young children, but now these children have grown up and have their own families and traditions, and the previous homes are no longer the gathering place for holiday festivities. Holidays also intensify the sadness felt due to the absence of those that have passed and are no longer present. In my opinion, the seasons that are the most challenging for seniors are fall and winter. Other factors that contribute to this are increased darkness and colder weather. This impacts a senior’s comfort with driving later in the day or even leaving their home, due to body aches and fear of slipping and falling.
Years ago, prior to my mother’s passing, she used to say “I’ll see you in the spring” or she would become anxious about impending bad weather. There was never a storm forecast that didn’t require getting bread, milk and eggs, even if it was simply flurries. When I think of the anxiety that Daylight Saving Time, holidays and weather events created, I used to think it was just my mother and her irrational worrying. However, over the last almost 13 years, I’ve learned that her fears weren’t uncommon. Many seniors are impacted by and fear those very same things.
Approximately twelve and a half years ago, a few years after my parents had passed, I decided to find a way to help those seniors that struggle, not only in the fall and the winter or surrounding holidays, but year-round. By helping these seniors, stress is reduced for the family support mechanism of the clients of Aging In Place Senior Care Services. Many don’t understand what the purpose of a home care agency might be. The simplest way to think of it is providing support for your loved one, that alleviates the time you might spend on tasks and chores. This allows you more quality time to spend together when you are able to visit. These services also lower stress and pressure for those caring for their loved ones. We help seniors with simple tasks like changing the bed linens, laundry, grocery shopping, as well as helping with personal care, such as bathing, toileting and dressing, among other activities.
Ultimately there is no way to eliminate how the seasons and holidays may create a negative impact for some, but as I mentioned, I think it is more common than we know. If you are a senior struggling during the fall and winter or someone caring for a loved one that seems overwhelmed and in need of support, Aging In Place Senior Care Services are only a phone call away at 302-722-8240. Please feel free to reach out and we will be happy to assist you in any way we can.
(302) 722-8240
5586 Kirkwood Highway
Wilmington, DE 19808
