Page 4 - BVG Newsletter Summer 2021_FINAL

4 BELLA VISTA NEWS, SUMMER 2021

Health & Wellbeing
10 Tips for Reducing Loneliness During the Festive Season

There is a lot of pressure on people to enjoy family and friendship and thank them for that.
themselves during the festive season. The season is 5. Encourage your loved one to take part in the
supposed to be merry and bright, but many older holiday activities at the residence.
people feel increasingly isolated and unhappy this Entertainment and socialisation can bring joy to
time of year—even before the coronavirus people whose social lives have been significantly
pandemic complicated everyday life and special impacted by COVID-19.
occasions. Understandably, families are still
concerned about how minimising COVID-19 risk will 6. Encourage your loved one to connect with
affect their travel and holiday plans with ageing spiritual support if you think this can help. Our
Leisure & Lifestyle team organises a number of
loved ones this year.
different spiritual supports at this time.
1. Make a point of actively listening when your
7. Help them add festive touches to their room
loved one wants to talk, even if the discussion is
negative. An honest and empathetic making sure they do not present a safety
conversation can help them process what is hazard.
bothering them, whether they are mourning a 8. Bring in some traditional baked goods or treats
loss or coming to terms with challenges in life. for your loved one that represent your holiday
customs for your loved one to enjoy and share
2. Remind them how important they are as a part
of your life, your family members’ lives and with their friends.
these annual holiday celebrations. They may 9. Consider getting together virtually. If you can’t
feel useless or burdensome if they cannot get together due to travel restrictions, book a
contribute to or fully participate in the festivities Skype appointment for everyone to connect.
like they used to. Encourage them to do what 10. The most important thing you can do is to make
they are capable of and be especially careful not them feel loved and included this season is by
to act like what you do for them is done out of a simply spending time with them in a safe way.
sense of duty. Look at family photos, watch home videos or
3. Ask family members and friends to contribute holiday movies or listen to seasonal music. For
cards, photographs or drawings to help keep some, these traditions may need to take place
your loved one upbeat. Help them write their outside, via Skype, FaceTime or Zoom, or while
own cards. you social distance and wear masks. Regardless
of what you decide to do together, any time you
4. Help your loved one see that you are trying to
simplify your holiday plans to focus on the real can spare is a precious gift.
meaning of these celebrations. Remind them
that they have taught you the importance of Source: agingcare.com