Source: Margaret Johnson, Social Services, Chiristopher Heights of Webster.

In November, Dr. Rocco Marino, Clinical Psychologist with Arbour Senior Care, presented a discussion to staff members about depression among elders.   Part of his discussion focused on depression around the holidays.

Our elders already experience a sense of loss.  Many are not prepared for changes in life such as leaving their own home and living in a community setting.  The attractiveness of a setting is not as important as a person s own feelings of self worth.  If a person is already depressed, seeing others happy, especially at holiday time can make their sadness worse.  During the holiday season, elders often have more acute feeling about the passing of time, the absence of parents, siblings, friends, and loved ones who have moved away.

Caregivers can play an important role in helping seniors cope with depression.  It is important to validate a person s feelings of sadness.  Console and be supportive rather than judgmental. While it is necessary to be a source of comfort, it is also important to help a person move on to a more positive outlook.

There are specific things caregivers can do to help their elderly loved ones have positive feelings toward the holidays.  Include them as much as possible with holiday get-togethers.  Try to accompany them to favorite holiday rituals such as religious services, visiting relatives and friends, or making a holiday treat together.  Encourage your loved one to enjoy allowing others to arrange holiday celebrations.  Let them know that their good health will allow everyone to have a good holiday.

The following websites are great resources for information about depression experienced by the elderly: 

American Geriatrics                                               
Eldercare Advocates                                             
Medline Plus (Part of the National Library of Medicine)
Day Kimball Hospital