Winter isn’t too far down the horizon. If you are going to be caring for your elderly loved one during the winter time, it is important to learn about the winter blues. Unfortunately, there are many elderly people who get excessively sad and depressed during the winter. They may have moderate to severe mood swings, as well. To better prepare yourself for the fact that your elderly loved one may fall into the winter blues, you and their senior home care providers can learn more about this issue here today.
Contributions to the Winter Blues
How do you know if your elderly loved one has a high risk of getting the winter blues? Well, there are some things that may increase their risk such as:
- Experiencing loneliness around Christmas and New Years
- Getting tired around holidays
- Experiencing financial stress around Christmas
- Usually eats unhealthy during colder weather
- Has a lot of time alone to think about loved ones they have lost
- Hates dark, cold days
- Doesn’t get out of the house often because of bad or cold weather
These are some reasons why your elderly loved one may have an increased risk for the winter blues. If you feel your elderly loved one does have a higher risk, it may be a good idea to get senior home care services for them. Having someone at home with them can help to fight off depression and negative thoughts.
Signs of the Winter Blues
When winter does get here, it is important to know how to recognize the signs of the winter blues. That way, if your elderly loved one does have this problem, you and senior home care providers can help them to feel better. The signs of the winter blues include:
- Isolating from others
- Increased irritability and anxiety
- Not having an interest in much of anything
- Not being involved in holiday activities
- Not eating well
- Insomnia
- Not having much energy
If you do notice these things in your elderly loved one, make sure to let them know you are there for them. Ask if they need more time with others. Sometimes, just being around people can help a great deal. If that is the case, you can get senior home care services for your elderly loved one.
These are some of the things that you may need to know about the winter blues. Winter isn’t here yet. However, if you do notice the signs of the winter blues in your elderly loved one later in the fall or when winter gets here, make sure you help them and be there for them as much as you can.
Source: https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/01/beat-winter-blues
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Home Care Services in Norwood MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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