The holidays can be an adjustment for older adults in new living situations. However, local senior citizen advocates said there are still ways to brighten spirits and continue traditions whether living alone or in an assisted-living facility.
Celebrating this time of year is a priority for Homestead of Eudora to keep some semblance of normalcy.
“It’s just bringing back the memories of what they’ve been doing in the past with their families, like making the Christmas cookies with them, making gingerbread houses,” Executive Director Dawn Hill said.
It’s rare to see seniors try to isolate during this season, Hill said. She credits some of that to what the facility does to engage residents and make the building festive.
Not only do they decorate, but employees are also dressed in Santa hats, bells and festive holiday gear.
They bring in students and other professionals to sing carols, make wreaths, toss snowballs, make ornaments, play other Christmas games and trivia, and visit Bible study.
Santa also visits the residents each year and passes out gifts from family members.
The majority of residents have family in the area, but Homestead staff try to be that family when they are not around, Hill said.
Hill said she thinks moods are heightened during this time of year.
“I think, all these little things, extras that my staff put into making the days fun for them just brings a smile to their face, and maybe, you know, we never know what people are feeling inside, but at least in that moment, they we are bringing a smile to their faces with just bringing back the traditions and doing some kind of fun thing,” she said.
At Medicalodges, activities director Lori Balderston makes sure staff meets seniors where they are. She agreed it’s uncommon for residents to isolate during this time of year, but if they do, staff goes to their rooms to do what’s comfortable for them.
Having a big dinner for families to join residents and enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner is an annual event. Holiday crafting and baking, as well as visits from Santa, also help residents feel like they’re still getting a full Christmas, she said.
Most have family in the area, and they come around more during this time, which also helps keep spirits high, Balderston said.
Even without a move to an assisted-living facility, the holidays can be a hard time for some seniors still living at home as well. Hill recommends seniors get involved with the Senior Foundation of Eudora and Senior Wheels so they can get out into the community, meet others and seek support services in town.
According to the American Association on Geriatric Aging, factors contributing to holiday depression for seniors can include financial limitations, loss of independence, separation from loved ones, loss of mobility and issues with eyesight. The holidays can further exacerbate older adults’ feelings about the passage of time and the death of loved ones, making the time feel less meaningful, the association said.
Megan Poindexter, executive director of the Douglas County Senior Resource Center, said it’s important to remind seniors they can take action to help avoid loneliness.
“When we think about people who are not living in a senior-living community, one of the things I think is important to remember is that living alone and being lonely are not the same thing,” she said.
Loneliness can stem from a lack of meaningful connections with people, but connecting with people during the holidays doesn’t have to be in person. Meetings via Zoom, letters, email and social media are all ways to find connection, Poindexter said.
The holidays can also be used as a good excuse to reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while, she said. A lot of times, that can lead to a long-term relationship, as well.
While some may want to help their loved ones during these lonelier times, it’s also important to recognize older adults also have power over their own lives and can take action themselves, Poindexter said.
During the winter, those who live alone may experience less social interaction, especially in rural communities. The holidays may also mean a change in established routines due to holiday closures, she said. That may lead to seniors who usually have a weekly social event or group to have a more lonely time during the week of holidays.
Poindexter said seniors should plan ahead so they can fill in the gaps in their usual outings, whether that’s making a list of other activities to do like watch a holiday movie, taking a walk to look at Christmas decorations or setting up times to call loved ones. Implementing small activities can make the days feel more special, she said.
“You can create a really lovely set of activities for yourself that can alleviate those feelings of disconnection and create a routine for the day that’s very special even if you can’t actually physically get together with people that you might wish you could see on that holiday,” she said.
During the holidays, organizations do special activities, get-togethers or volunteering events, giving seniors a great way to try a new group. The hardest part can be going to that first meeting, she said. By reaching out to the coordinator, seniors can get a clear picture of what the event will be like so it is less anxiety-inducing when the time comes.
If the coordinator knows someone new is joining, they’ll also usually take the extra step to make the newcomer feel welcome by having one of the friendly members make sure they’re comfortable. These events could be at libraries in Douglas County, the Rec Center, the Senior Foundation of Eudora or the Douglas County Senior Resource Center.
“I always want to remind folks that you don’t need to wait for someone to reach out to you and you don’t need to wait to be invited to participate in a group or an activity or an organization,” Poindexter said. “You can initiate these things and people by and large are gonna be so excited to have a new person join them.”
For transportation needs, people can reach out to Senior Wheels to set up drop offs and pick-ups.
To schedule a ride, call 785-727-7876.
Reach reporter Sara Maloney at [email protected].
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