The Joy in Being Santa

It’s the holiday season and Christmas is right around the corner. The stores are filled with people hustling and bustling, looking for that perfect gift for a special someone. It’s an overwhelming time of year, but the beauty of twinkling lights and festive spirit is captivating and brings joy to many.

My Grandmother is the hallmark of Christmas for me every year. She shops for all 23 people in my family and makes Christmas dinner. We do extend our services to bring desserts and side dishes, but every year, she and my grandfather are on the ball. It’s wonderful to see them both in the holiday spirit.

But sometimes, it isn’t this easy for all aging adults to enjoy the holidays, especially those who are in nursing facilities. That’s why there are programs like the one offered by Home Instead Senior Care called Be a Santa to a Senior. Each year, Home Instead spreads holiday cheer to lonely or financially challenged seniors through the Be a Santa program. According to their website, “the program has attracted upwards of 60,000 volunteers over the past six years distributing gifts to deserving seniors.  Since introducing the Be a Santa to a Senior program, Home Instead Senior Care has helped provide 1.2 million gifts to more than 700,000 seniors.”

Or you could try The Children of Christmas Past, an organization in Burlington, ON that started in 1999 by Jill Harrington. Each year, guests of their Annual Christmas Open House bring a gift for a senior and the charity then hand-delivers the gifts Christmas morning. If you would like to learn more, you can watch them on Aging in Peel next week on Rogers Cable 10.

It’s a wonderful thought that spreads warmth across the nation. And what’s even more invigorating is the idea that anyone can participate to help someone have a memorable Christmas. Nobody should be alone during the holidays, but one small act of kindness can change how people view the world, and sometimes, that can be the greatest gift of all.

Happy Holidays everyone!

The Power of Pets

Call me crazy, but I talk to my animals. Sure, they probably don’t understand me, just as most of the time I don’t understand them. Still I find it comforting knowing that they are there to “listen.” In my opinion, they almost keep you sane. My dog will look up, cock his head and look at me as if to say, “No. Really? Tell me more.” My cat will sidle up to me if it seems I’ve had a bad day, just to let me know that “someone” is there.

We don’t give animals enough credit where credit is due. They are wonderful keepers of company. Although they do occasionally default to their rebellious nature, they are always willing to be by your side at the end of the day, and it’s comforting to know that.

Why is this so important?

Well, according to Barbara Worthington, associate editor of Aging Well, relationships with animals develop into bonds that strengthen significantly over time. Many older adults enjoy the memories of a pet they once had, and animal-assisted therapy can offer a connection that allows aging adults to remember, vocalize their recollections and smile.

However, not only does having an animal around help to increase your social behavior, but “elders’ interactions with animals can improve their self-esteem, help them cope with their losses, and boost their sense of self-worth,” says Marjorie Shoemaker, coordinator of Caring Paws.

Small or large, having an animal can actually change the environment of your home. It gives you something to look after, to interact with and to socialize with. Depending on the kind of care your animal of choice needs, it still gives you an overall positive spin on your health. Woof!

The Many Facets of Dementia

Image by Seniors Access

Just when you think there isn’t any more left to say on the topic of dementia, you learn something new. Such as: did you know there is such a thing as an overnight dementia “camp”? You may be as baffled as I was at first when reading about it. But it’s true.  Huffington Post’s HuffPost50 reported on The Hebrew Home at Riverdale, where they have a program called ElderServe at Night.

What does this entail you may wonder? It’s a place where aging adults who suffer with dementia can take part in activities, such as arts and crafts, dancing, socializing and more… throughout the night. That’s right, this isn’t a “typical” day-care dementia Centre (although it does offer these services too). It is a program that runs from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.. It’s for individuals who require constant supervision throughout the night due to fear and confusion that is caused when the sun sets, and it gives caregivers peace of mind that their loved ones are cared for, enabling them to get a restful nights sleep.

Individuals with various types of dementia can have irregular sleep patterns throughout the day, which can cause sudden jolts of alertness at night. The disorientation that occurs in these individuals not only harms their mental capacity to understand what is occurring, but it can cause strain on family caregivers and interruptions to their own sleep cycles.

Like ElderServe at Night, there have been other programs that are unique and cater to individuals who have been affected by dementia, for both the patient and caregiver. Such places, for example, are Alzheimer Cafés becoming more prevalent in society. The concept originates overseas from the Netherlands, took hold across Europe and the United States, and is slowly integrating into Canada. The first of its kind appeared last February in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

These cafés encourage individuals who have Alzheimer’s, or other forms of dementia, to socialize. It’s a space where those who attend, caregiver or patient, can feel comfortable, and where sudden outbursts are accepted due to symptoms of the various types of dementia.

We may not be able to cure dementia, we may only be able to delay its onset, but society certainly understands that we can find ways that help ease the suffering, and find a way to help maintain a person’s dignity.  

To learn more about ElderServe at night, click the video below.