A10: Keep it simple and thoughtful. Whether you’re hours away or down the street from your loved one, a call, Facetime, mailing card or pictures, bring your family traditions into the facility & help them stay connected. Bring the holiday season to your loved one. #ProviderChats
A9: Listen to their story & their memories. Encourage a regular routine and participation in smaller group activities doing craft projects or therapy. Get them involved for a special activity or project, so they have a sense of purpose. #ProviderChats
A8: Use the resident's life story to connect with them. If they have a special holiday tradition, such as watching A Christmas Story & drinking hot chocolate, recreate those meaningful memories together as resident & caregiver. #ProviderChats
A7: Give encouragement. Be mindful. Random acts of kindness lift spirits & connect each other. A simple show of an open ear can be meaningful. We love this resource -> https://t.co/T5JXa7Sr1f #ProviderChats
A6: Holiday songs, especially anchor songs to be played at the same time each day to remind residents of a schedule and brings in a holiday tradition, such as playing Silent Night or O Holy Night. #ProviderChats
A6: Daily “Movin’ & Groovin” with restorative nursing to holiday songs or baking gingerbread cookies together are ways to help manage resident’s depression, especially during the holidays. #ProviderChats
A6: Caregivers can strengthen their relationship with residents & brighten their spirit during the holidays by connecting on commonalities & bringing traditions into the care center is meaningful for residents. #ProviderChats
A5: We’ve seen depression often triggered by memories of the holidays and evoking feelings of loss and more. These lingering feelings result in changes in mood & cognitive status. Caregivers can often show the same symptoms of residents during the holiday season. #ProviderChats
@ProviderMag A4: Some symptoms are sadness, feelings of despair, changes in appetite, unexplained aches and pains, lack of energy and focus, sleep disturbances, & less interest in socializing are all symptoms of depression. Residents may also be more agitated and angry. #ProviderChats
@ProviderMag A3: For example, one resident may experience sleep disturbances, and another resident may have changes in appetite, & another may have increased mood instability. #ProviderChats
@ahcancal A3: Every individual is unique and has unique holiday experiences & traditions. The holidays are a time of remembering and reminiscing and for some residents, those memories may be happy, sad, or bring up more feelings. #ProviderChats
@ProviderMag A2: During the holiday season, separation from families or loved ones and a tendency to focus on losses might cause the holiday blues in residents. Traditions are important to many during the holidays & being in a new home is a big change. #ProviderChats
@ProviderMag Holiday blues are seasonal. Depression symptoms linger and are not situational. Residents with depression will have consistent symptoms over a period of time. #ProviderChats
Join us later this afternoon for advice on spreading holiday joy and recognizing the holiday blues in long-term care residents #ProviderChats https://t.co/Tr61nZ0yEC
Looking to give back this #Christmas? Volunteer at your local Signature facility and spend time playing games and hanging out with residents! Find a facility near you: https://t.co/k1MF9nkzkW