4 Ways to Prevent Senior Depression on Valentine’s Day
Many seniors are living alone or widowed, which can cause them to become depressed on Valentine’s Day. The staff at Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of at-home care in Frederick, suggests 4 special ways you can prevent your senior loved one from being lonely or depressed on this holiday.
1. Deliver a Special Picture
Frame an old picture of you and your loved one representing a cherished moment you shared together. Attach a card to the frame with a heartfelt message written inside of it. If possible, deliver this picture to your loved one yourself. After you deliver it, make sure you spend some time with your loved one and reminisce.
2. Get Grandkids Involved
Nothing will warm a senior’s heart more on Valentine’s Day than receiving a homemade card featuring a love poem from his or her grandkids. If your loved one’s grandkids can deliver the card in person, it would be even more special. If not, a phone call from the grandkids will still put a smile on your loved one’s face. Also, don’t forget to include recent pictures of the grandkids inside of their card.
3. Send Flowers
Send your loved one a beautiful bouquet of his or her favorite flowers on Valentine’s Day. If you live nearby, deliver the flowers yourself along with a big hug and kiss. Also, make sure you don’t rush off after you deliver the flowers. Sitting and chatting with your loved one over tea or some other treat will mean more than anything else you give him or her.
4. Be Your Loved One’s Date
Take your loved one out for a special Valentine’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If your loved one faces challenges that make it difficult to leave the house, plan to cook his or her favorite dishes at home. Set a beautiful table, light candles, and decorate the dining area with flowers. You can even get your loved one involved in preparing the meal with you. It’s the perfect opportunity for you and your loved one to bond and create new memories on Valentine’s Day.
Another way to keep your loved one from being lonely and depressed, no matter what time of year, is to hire a part-time or live-in caregiver for regular companionship. In addition to social stimulation, the caregivers at Home Care Assistance can also assist with a wide variety of daily tasks around the house, such as cooking, cleaning, and bathing. We also offer specialized Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for Frederick seniors who need more extensive assistance. For more information on our elderly care services, call one of our friendly Care Managers at 301–798–9030 to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
