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Health & Fitness

HAPPY THANKSGIVING - Be the Difference this Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, we are thankful for our family, friends and the food we have on our table.

 Imagine what it feels like when you don’t have your children nearby.  All of your friends have either passed or are now living with their adult children or in Assisted Living or other Senior Communities. It’s no longer safe to drive or manage a grocery store trip so your meals are limited. Thanksgiving is just another day for these seniors.

Others are able to spend the holidays with their family. When the aging senior is asked how they are doing, they will say “Fine.” That is the standard answer given when that question is posed.

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But are they really fine?  It takes some skill to ask the proper questions in the right setting to help discover how things are really going.

According to medicine.net, late life depression affects 6 million Americans age 65 or older. Out of those 6 million, only 10% receive treatment. These statistics increase at holiday time.

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Those who have never married, are divorced or widowed find themselves alone more often than the few family visits they may receive. This is not the only reason why depression is so common within this age group. The holidays may remind folks of great memories of a much happier time in their life. They may also remind your aging loved ones of all they have lost.

Remember that only a doctor can correctly diagnose depression. There are similar symptoms in depression, as there are in dementia. So if you or a loved one is experiencing signs of depression this holiday season make a point to visit the doctor to discuss this to be sure the treatment received is appropriate.

You can make a difference in your loved one’s life by visiting more often. If you have a neighbor over the age of 65 who does not have a lot of visitors this holiday season, be sure to visit with some homemade baked goods or a holiday card. Showing them you are thinking of them during this time of year can make the difference between them feeling lonely or feeling special and remembered.

If after your holiday visit this year, if you feel your loved one is not safe at home and you are seeking expert advice, speak to an eldercare advisor near you in the Chicago Western Suburbs to learn what options are available. You do not have to go through this confusing time alone. Let Assisted Transition be there with you every step of the way.  We live near you and our staff would welcome the opportunity to help in any way possible.  Our services are totally FREE to our clients – so give us a call so we can learn more about your parent’s and your wonderful family.

 

Rick Graffagna

Assisted Transition – Chicago Western Suburbs

Owner – Operator

630.246.2579

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