December 1, 2023
For many, the holiday season is a joyful, happy time built around togetherness, family, and friends. Still, for some, it can be very stressful and filled with overwhelming expectations, depression, and anxiety. The holiday season can be a reminder of those who are not with us anymore, financial limitations, sadness from being separated from loved ones, and the loss of treasured traditions.
At Vitalia Rockside, we understand celebrating this time of year doesn’t have to be sad or overwhelming. It can be a peaceful time of reminiscing, volunteering, spending time with friends, and creating new traditions!
The signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress we should monitor for during the holiday season include lack of energy, irritability, weight loss or gain, change in personality, and isolation.
To help residents eliminate the holiday blues, we always wear a smile and talk with them, including one-on-one time. Residents are encouraged to speak to a mental health professional to express their feelings. We engage them in holiday activities, having them stay active, including listening to music. Loneliness is one of the most common causes of depression in older adults during the holiday season. To help combat this, we encourage social activities, exercise, reading, and visiting with them.
Our community encourages new and fulfilling traditions by interacting with the residents and inviting them to share their stories and holiday traditions. We stress the fact there is always time to start a new tradition.
The holiday season means different things to each of us. The holidays are about family, friends, food, and tradition. For many, the smells, tastes, and decorations bring memories flooding back. We hope some of these ideas will help you as the holidays approach.
VITALIA® Rockside in Seven Hills, OH offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near Cleveland Clinic Mary Mount with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Top Gol Cleveland, Cleveland Metro Parks, Spiva Center for the Arts, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Zoo, and A Christmas Story House.
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