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 The Kentridge Senior Living, 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!
Trying to adapt to a new norm is not easy. The signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress we should monitor for during the holiday season include crying or sadness, feeling worried due to plans or arrangements that are time-consuming, or even verbal aggression towards others.
To help residents eliminate the holiday blues, we inquire and implement some of the traditions they used to have with their families and invite their family members to events in the community. Residents who have little or no family that visit are asked to help with events within the community. Loneliness is one of the most common causes of depression in older adults during the holiday season. To help combat that, we invite residents to programs and events we have going on in the community. Older adults enjoy seeing children, so schools are encouraged to volunteer for intergenerational events with the residents.
Our community encourages new and fulfilling traditions by asking the residents to reminisce about their younger years, their years of raising their children, and new traditions they may have made with their grand or great-grandchildren. This may provide ideas to others so they can implement them with their families.
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.
The KentRidge Senior Living in Kent, 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 University Hospital Portage Medical Center with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Sunny Hill Golf & Recreation Inc, Stow-Kent Shopping Center, Kent State Univeristy Museum, The Portage Hike & Bike Trail, and Mad Cap Brewing Company.
