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Knocking Out the Winter Blues in Your Loved One

Caregiver in Rahway NJ: If you are taking care of a loved one and it is getting colder out, one of the things you need to watch out for is the winter blues. They can be tricky.
Caregiver in Rahway NJ: Senior Winter Blues
Caregiver in Rahway NJ: Senior Winter Blues

If you are taking care of a loved one and it is getting colder out, one of the things you need to watch out for is the winter blues. They can be tricky. The depression from the winter blues could last only through the winter or it could continue.

 

Caregiver in Rahway NJ: Senior Winter Blues
Caregiver in Rahway NJ: Senior Winter Blues

 

Do you notice your loved one is really sad? Are they spending less time with other people? Do they have sleep issues? Are they feeling worthless or crying a lot? If you can answer yes to these questions, your loved one may have the winter blues. There are some things you can do to help them out of that funk.

 

Getting Them to Admit They Are Having a Tough Time

One of the first things you will need to do is to get your loved one to admit they are having a tough time. Encourage them to seek out the help they need. Get them to talk about how they are feeling and what needs they have. Once they have admitted they are having a tough time, it is more likely that they will be receptive to the other methods of help you are trying to give to them.

 

Keeping Them Busy or Active

While you don’t want to overwhelm your loved one, if they are experiencing the winter blues, you will want to keep them busy or active. Get their family members and friends involved in the activities they are doing. Have them bake cookies with their grandkids if they have any. Take a walk with them to get some fresh air. Only do this when it isn’t too icy outside. You don’t want them to have a fall. If you aren’t keeping them busy, have them exercise at home. Being active will also help to beat the winter blues.

 

Mental Exercises

Mental exercises can help to beat the winter blues, as well. Get your loved one to do puzzles, Sudoku, crosswords, and other brain exercises. Have them put together a scrapbook of memories they have with family members and friends.

 

Sharing Stories

Another way to help your loved one to beat the winter blues is by having them share their stories. You can share your stories with them, as well. By getting them to share their stories, they can reminisce about the good times. This can help them to get out of the funk they are in and fight the winter blues.

 

These are some of the many ways to knock out the winter blues in your loved one. First, they will probably need to admit they need help. However, even if they don’t do this, you can still incorporate these other exercises into their life. By getting them active, having them share stories, and do mental exercises, you can still help them to feel better.

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a Caregiver Rahway, NJ, call the caring staff at Helping Hands Home Care today at 908-418-4299. Providing Home Care Services in all of Northern and Central NJ, including Clark, Westfield, Cranford, Scotch Plains, Rahway, Linden, Summit, Edison, Elizabeth, Mountainside and the surrounding areas.

 

Source
Mayoclinic.org
Newsinhealth.nih.gov

 

Robert D'Arienzo

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