SATURDAY, Dec. 15 (HealthDay News) -- Older relatives who arefrail or ill have special emotional, mental and physical health needs thatrequire extra attention to help them enjoy the holiday season, geriatricspecialists say.
So, experts at the University of California, San Diego, offer thefollowing tips:
If an older family member tires easily or is vulnerable toover-stimulation, limit the activities or length of time that person isincluded in the festivities. Consider planning a nap time or providing a"quiet room" where an older person can take a break from the noise andconfusion.If there's a get-together at the home of someone with memoryimpairment or behavioral problems, don't rearrange the furniture. Thiscould cause confusion and anxiety. If the family function is somewhereelse, remove slippery throw rugs and other items that could be hazards orbarriers to people who have difficulty walking.Avoid comments that might embarrass someone with short-term memoryproblems.Involve everyone in holiday meal preparation, assigning tasks toinclude the youngest and oldest family members.Make sure that older people adhere to their regular schedule ofmedications during the holiday hustle and bustle.Reach out to older relatives and friends who are alone. Loneliness inolder people is associated with major depression and with suicidalthoughts and impulses.
More information
Find out more about geriatric care at the National Association ofProfessional Geriatric Care Managers.
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