Holiday Fun and Fact Finding

The holiday season is about so many things: religious celebrations, gift giving, tasty meals, lights aplenty. It’s also about gathering with family, often family whom we don’t regularly see. We may talk with a cousin and silently note his receding hairline and ever-expanding midsection. We may marvel at a niece who apparently has declared the cosmetic counter at Macy’s her second residence. On the other hand, we may realize that Aunt Sarah’s extreme makeover really did work out well. And, as we hush our chuckles from “people watching” (hushing because we remember these people are related to us), we also talk with the older members of the family. Perhaps they are our mothers and fathers, in-laws, or uncles and aunts. The relationship doesn’t matter. What is important is that we make sure these people have the resources they need to live safely and independently.

Despite the zaniness that often marks the holidays, we should take time to sit and talk with elder family members. How are they doing physically? Have they been to the doctor recently? Do they seem happy? The conversation shouldn’t be an interrogation, but rather a caring dialogue that helps us assess the basic health of our aging relatives. You don’t have to be an expert to have this conversation. It is a matter of really listening and caring.

If we have a close relationship with our elder relatives, we should expand the conversation to topics that may not be as evident. What Social Security benefits are they receiving? Are they able to use money from a pension? Do they understand what Medicare covers and what it doesn’t? Do they know what community services are available to them? Again, you don’t need to know all the answers to these often complex questions. All you need to know is that there are organizations and people who can help. In our area, Mystic Valley Elder Services is the place to get many of those questions answered. Let your loved one know that we are here to help them.

As we celebrate with family, we will hear or see the changes that time brings. Witnessing such change is part of the fun of the holidays—part of the joy of seeing family members who may live far away. Although they may not be vocal or their appearance may not have changed much since last year, elders are experiencing changes like the rest of us. We should recognize these changes and help elders actively plan for the times when they won’t have as much family around them.

Together, families should celebrate the holiday season and the joys it presents. We should enjoy the company of friends and loved ones. And, we should take time to ensure the continued well being of elders.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Mystic Valley Elder Services.