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 Wildwood 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!
The signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress we should monitor for during the holiday season include self-isolation, decreased appetite, somber mood appearance, and even a change in vitals.
To help residents eliminate the holiday blues, we talk with them more frequently, smile, and check on them more. The department head makes holiday treats and hands them to residents at their apartment doors. Who doesn’t love a sweet treat? Loneliness is one of the most common causes of depression in older adults during the holiday season. To help combat that, we provide as much laughter and cheer as possible to the residents and encourage engagement in community events. We provide any additional time from staff and give it to residents battling holiday depression.
Our community encourages new and fulfilling traditions by asking the residents what they want to see as a Wildwood tradition for the upcoming years. Our team is also asked to share their family traditions to add them to our community for our residents.
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 Wildwood Senior Living in Joplin, MO 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 Freeman Health System and Mercy Hospital with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Twin Hills Country Club, Northpark Mall, Grand Falls, Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center – National Audubon Society, Spiva Center for the Arts, and George Washington Carver National Monument.
