The holiday season can be a joyous time of the year for families and friends, near and far.  But the events of the last two years and the aging of the baby boomer genre have placed us all in very unique circumstances.  As joyous as the holiday season can be, it can also be stressful and tiring, especially for our elderly.  We would like to share a few inspirations to help you deal with this holiday season.

1. The holiday season is meant for families, but it is also a time for remembrance.  There may be family members that have passed on, and a gentle walk down memory lane can a healthy way in dealing with loss while learning how to move forward into the next, and many years to come.  Remember, grieving is a healthy process for every one of all ages.
2. Some members of your family may be dealing with certain health issues, including memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s.  The holidays and family gatherings can provoke powerful memories, or even inhibit moments of memory.  Be patient.  This can be the right time to remember what is important, and that is your family. Be accepting of change and advent of new, more exciting traditions.
3. Be careful of holiday cheer, as alcohol can have both impassive and passive effects on the elderly due to disease processes, and the medications they may be taking.
4. Provide areas of rest and relaxation.  The elderly may become more fatigued and have shorter endurance levels than last year.  Be cognizant of their needs, and provide space and time for rejuvenation.
5.  Sometimes keeping it small will be more beneficial and the economic challenges of the last two years has made it all but impossible to make this holiday season anything but small.  But small does not have to change the spirit of the holiday season.  What it does mean is more time to spend together and remember the events of Christmas past that have only made us stronger from one year to the next.
6. Have realistic expectations.  The parties and celebrations don’t have to be perfect.  As our families grow and change, traditions may need to change too.  Choose a few to hold on to, but be open to modifying others.
7. Plan ahead.  If an older family member tends to tire easily or if they are easily over-stimulated, limited the time they are included.

Remember, Christmas is not about what or how much is under the Christmas tree.  It is time to be with family, share the joy of the season, and to be thankful for the blessing you and your family experienced over the last year.  Be sure to acknowledge those blessing and pass them on for all Christmas’s to come.

Related articles by Zemanta

• On Death, Loss And The Holidays (newscoma.com)

Tagged as: Christmas, Christmas and holiday season, geriatric care, senior care