Avoid Isolation over the Holidays
The holidays are intended to be a time spent with family, sharing in memories and making new ones, but unfortunately for some, it can be a time of sadness. It can be difficult when you have lost someone or recently moved out of your family home and this is your first holiday in a senior living facility. You miss your holiday traditions, your decorations and being with family in the house they all grew up in.
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While it is normal to feel lonely and depressed over the holidays, there are ways to avoid these feelings. You may still feel sad but these ideas will help make the holidays a little bit warmer.
Keep your expectations to a minimum. This year you are living in a new home with new people. You may be away from family or lost an important family member, therefore you cannot expect the same holiday magic as last year.
Listen to music. “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!” – Elf. This is completely true, singing and letting the music take away your sadness is a great idea.
Stay social. You may not have many friends yet, but join in the holiday festivities and make friends. If you like to bake, join the cookie baking, if you love to decorate a tree but can’t fit one in your new home, then join the tree decorating party – there are so many holiday groups and activities in your senior living facility, you just need to be open to them.
Fill your home with memories. If you can’t see your family this holiday, then put out their photos and remember all the wonderful holidays you had and then share them with your neighbors.
Start new traditions. As much as you shouldn’t forget the past, you shouldn’t dwell on it. Start new memories with new friends and family members. Maybe you moved away from your immediate family but now live local to some extended cousins – get to know them and spend the holidays making new traditions.
The key to avoiding isolation over the holidays is to stay active and social with neighbors, friends and family. Also, keep family processions close. If you need to ship a family dining room table or you need to ship a couch, call Moves for Seniors and we can help!
Call us today at (800) 227-0515 or click here for a free consultation.