As we prepare to celebrate the holiday season, wrapping gifts, planning holiday menus, and writing out holiday greeting cards, we are sure to forget something, right? The fast pace of the holidays can and often does impact our mental health and the mental health of our residents and staff. Although this should be a happy time of year, everyone has their journey, everyone has experienced a loss, maybe it is the loss of a loved one or a loss of independence.

It is important to take care of ourselves but also keep a close eye on our residents. Mental health is just as important as physical well-being and senior mental health plays a significant role in their overall quality of life. One thing we should be alert to, especially during the holidays, is social withdrawal. Social withdrawal is one of the early signs of mental health concerns. Residents who experience social withdrawal may benefit from reconnecting with family and friends, attending social events within the community and participating in group activities.

This is the time to share, to be generous of your time and remember that loneliness is experienced in different ways. What have you done to encourage social events in your center this holiday season? What about the resident who has no one, have you encouraged staff to ‘adopt’ a grandma/grandpa for the holidays? Have you reached out to community organizations, churches, salvation army, etc. to provide visits and token gifts for your residents? How about your staff? Many centers have celebrations, potluck lunches, secret Santa gift exchanges, cookie exchanges, etc. Remember, happy staff makes for happy residents! Thank you for all you do, have a safe and healthy holiday and go give a resident a big hug!