Skilled Nursing San Diego, CA - Advice for Helping Seniors Through the Holidays

SAN DIEGO - Dec. 15, 2013 - PRLog -- San Diego, CA 92120 - “For many Americans, the holidays between Thanksgiving and New Years are very lonely times. This loneliness is even more present in the elderly when other family members are miles away and getting around is difficult,” said Linnea Goodrich, president of Firstat Nursing Services in San Diego, CA.

“Even when special effort is made to make sure elderly family members get to spend the important festivities with the group, the days between that are usually filled with shopping and fun preparations can be a cause for depression in older individuals,” continued Goodrich.  Here are three ways to help elderly loved ones get through the holidays happier and safer.

Make Contact - Even if it isn’t possible to travel to visit with an elderly parent or other elderly family members, make time to contact them and let them know they are loved and cared for. The biggest source of depression over the holidays is the feeling of being cut off from everyone and being unable to physically get to where the rest of the family is located. The best solution is for those family members who live closest to make regular visits all year long and especially during the holiday weeks.

Holidays are a source of many memories that would otherwise be happy, but for elderly family members who have lost loved ones they can be a painful reminder. Calling or visiting with elderly loved ones gives them the chance to talk about their memories in a loving and caring atmosphere instead of being alone.

Get Them Out - Elderly individuals are often trapped in their homes by physical limitations. This type of limitation aides in the feeling of loneliness for older people. If family members live close, take the time to go to the home of the elderly family member and take them out. Sunshine goes a long way in lifting spirits, and getting around to a restaurant or going shopping is fun and a change of pace to get their minds off of feeling blue.

Even if it isn’t possible to physically take a family member outside, open the shades and when weather permits, let some fresh air in to make them feel better. Just having other family members come and spend the time with them and care makes a big difference in the daily life of older family members, especially around the holidays.

Get Help From a Skilled Nurse - Home care staff from a qualified company can help where long distances or busy schedules prevent family members from being present enough in older family members’ lives. A home nursing caregiver can get older people out to enjoy the weather, attend social events, shop for gifts and is a great source of attention. Just spending a little time every visit to talk to the elderly patient is a great source of comfort.

Having a home health care provider is a wonderful assurance to younger family members as well. It is relieving to know that elderly parents or grandparents are getting nutritious meals, getting out and having a good time, and that someone is making sure loved ones are having their personal hygiene taken care of without risk of falling or injury. Home care providers can even arrange to bring elderly patients to family events over the holidays, so the family can all be together and enjoy the festivities.

Skilled Nursing San Diego, CA

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/

About Firstat Nursing Services

Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both State licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association.  Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997.  To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit,

http://firstatofsandiego.com