For Many Seniors, the Holidays Are Tough:
Here’s How We Can Help
The holidays are here and for many of us, that means spending time with loved ones. But for some of Houston’s older adults, the holidays can be a difficult time, especially for older adults who live alone.
“The holidays bring up many memories for older adults who may have lost their spouse or friends,” says Julia Reyser, MD, a geriatrician at Harris Health Vallbona Health Center and assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine who specializes in primary care for the elderly.
Reyser notes how widowers, empty nesters and older adults whose friends have passed are uniquely vulnerable during the holidays, particularly if the adult has mobility challenges.
Depression and loneliness can have a significant impact on these patients’ health, so the importance of checking in cannot be understated.
“The importance of the check-in is two-fold,” says Allison Dobecka, a nurse practitioner for Harris Health’s House Call Service and assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine. “Checking in helps abate loneliness at a time of year that’s very emotional for older adults. Plus, checking in can help identify if your older loved one may be struggling with loneliness, depression or memory issues.”
The House Call Service is a home-based primary care program with physicians and nurse practitioners from McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston and Baylor College of Medicine designed to address primary and palliative health care needs of patients—many older adults. Providing this care in a patient’s home allows for a comprehensive assessment of the whole person including their medical and home environment.
“The House Call Service is medical care provided to patients in their own home,” says Brandi Sampson, case manager, House Call Service. “Our care is essential for patients who need care, but can’t make it to the doctor whether because they can no longer drive or are no longer able to leave their home.”
It’s Sampson’s job to identify patients who have been recently discharged from a Harris Health hospital or who have been referred to the service through their primary care physician. Sampson then connects the patient to one of Harris Health’s many doctors and nurse practitioners, like Dobecka, who perform house calls.
“Harris Health does so much for our community,” says Dobecka who began working with older adults as a teenager in her hometown and remains passionate about geriatric care. Dobecka has a panel of patients she sees on a regular basis and is interconnected with these senior’s lives. “Being part of my patient’s inner circle is one of the great joys of my life,” she adds.
Geriatric and palliative care, whe-ther at Vallbona or at home through House Call Service, provides Harris Health experts with intimate knowledge of the needs of older adults. While the holidays can be difficult for older homebound adults, Reyser, Sampson and Dobecka all say there are things we can do to make a
Make a difference in your older loved one’s life by remembering them. A little love goes a long way.
difference in the lives of seniors. This holiday season, bring joy to the older adults in your life, especially if they don’t regularly receive visitors or leave their homes. By following a few tips and guidelines, courtesy of the health experts at Harris Health, you can give the greatest gift of all this holiday season.
1. Check In
Whether it’s in person, over FaceTime, or with a handwritten card, spending time with older adults is incredibly valuable. This can feel challenging, as the busyness of the holiday season gets to everyone. Mentally prepare before going. Remember to be present and give attention to your loved one.
“Be considerate about spending your time,” Sampson advises. “Quality over quantity is always more valuable.”
“Checking in doesn’t mean a huge commitment in time,” Dobecka agrees. “A little bit goes a long way.”
2. A small touch has a big effect
Give hugs freely and hold a hand when interacting with your older loved one. “Touch is a powerful therapeutic tool,” Dobecka says. “Don’t be afraid to share that part as well.”
3. Be aware of signs of depression and dementia
Older adults are vulnerable to depression and loneliness during the holidays, which can negatively affect their health. Older adults who live alone without much social contact are especially vulnerable to dementia. When checking in, be on the lookout for these signs:
• An abnormally messy home environment, trash or hoarding
• Your loved one has stopped bathing or caring for their appearance
• A loss of appetite or no food in the house
• Forgetfulness, falling down or multiple trips to the hospital emergency center
“Being aware of the signs is important because many older adults are able to mask impairment or emotional distress in everyday conversation,” Reyser explains.
4. Use your intuition
If something feels out of place or not right, trust your intuition.
5. If you’re taking an older adult to your home for the holidays, here are some other things to consider:
Make a checklist to ensure you bring any medical equipment, like a walker or wheelchair, and medication your loved one requires. Make sure your home is free from clutter and that the bathrooms are easily accessible. If your loved one uses a shower chair at home, bring it with you. If you’re traveling longer distances, make sure you stop often to keep blood circulating. Note any dietary restrictions they may have and do your best not to overserve them alcohol or large portions of food. And most of all, have some fun.
“We can all have a little fun this holiday season,” Reyser encourages. “Just make sure you portion it out.”
6. Get your vaccinations
Help protect the older adults in your life this holiday season by receiving your flu, COVID and RSV (if recommended) vaccines.
7. If at any point during your check-in or your visit
with your loved one you notice signs of depression, dementia or other medical issues, contact their primary care physician.
The holidays are a time of giving back. Make a difference in your older loved one’s life by remembering them. A little love goes a long way.