WABASH, INDIANA – Dec. 1, 2020 – This year, the holiday season – combined with the ongoing pandemic
– presents seniors with special challenges. Parkview Wabash Hospital’s LifeBridge Senior Program is
encouraging area residents to look out for the well-being of seniors, who are particularly vulnerable to
depression right now.
“We’ve all watched the pandemic take a terrible toll on the nation,” says Michelle Starnes, MSW, LCSW,
manager of the LifeBridge program. “COVID-19 has claimed more than a quarter of a million lives. The
tension and anxiety associated with the situation have put everyone on edge. We’ve had to deal with new
routines of masking in public, using social distancing, washing hands frequently and staying home
whenever possible to limit the spread of the virus. But for people over 65 – who are among those most at
risk for severe complications or death – the pandemic has been especially stressful. They are at high risk
for depression resulting from the loss of activities that give their lives structure and meaning.”
In other words, if you think you’ve had a tough year, try being an older adult who’s been living in isolation.
Working or volunteering, going to church, singing in a choir, attending community events and festivals,
traveling, gathering with friends and family members – these activities have become rare to non-existent for
some seniors as they’ve sheltered at home to protect themselves from the virus.
“If they live alone,” says Starnes, “they’ve essentially been isolated from the people and circumstances that
bring them joy and comfort. They’ve lost crucial elements of human connection, the ability to hug someone
or hold their hand or even have a face-to-face conversation.”
According to Starnes, after months of isolation, “Coping mechanisms may be wearing very thin, and the
arrival of the holiday season may significantly increase the stress level of older adults. Because of their
stage of life, each person may be dealing with multiple factors, any of which can be pushing them toward
depression during this time of uncertainty.”
These factors include: mourning a spouse/family member/friend lost to COVID or another cause; dealing
with chronic illness or more limited physical abilities; worrying about children, grandchildren or friends;
caregiving for a sick spouse or partner; experiencing a loss of control in their lives; feeling life goes on for
others but is frozen for them; anxiety about having enough food, supplies and medications on hand;
struggling with loneliness; grieving the loss of milestone celebrations (weddings, graduations, etc.); feeling
lost without the structure and sense of purpose provided by work or volunteering; missing the chance to
share holiday gatherings and traditions with children and grandchildren; and missing absent loved ones.
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How can you tell if an older adult you know is depressed? There are many signs, including: sleeping
difficulties; loss or decrease of appetite; increased substance use; digestive issues, frequent headaches,
aches and pains; increased trips to the emergency room or resisting the idea of seeking needed care;
expressions of feeling like a burden to family or friends; agitation or irritability; loss of interest in favorite
activities; self-isolation or reluctance to talk with those closest to them; memory loss or concentration
difficulties; and feelings of helplessness, hopelessness or worthlessness.
“It’s important to support seniors while keeping everyone safe and healthy,” says Starnes. “First, put
yourself in their shoes. Try to understand their perspective. Next, think creatively, figure out how you can
engage them and try to incorporate touches of the holiday season when meaningful. There are plenty of
ways you can show you care about the seniors in your life and want to stay connected to them.”
She suggests specific steps to help older adults feel included: perform tasks to help them out, use Zoom or
other teleconferencing platforms for as many “together” activities as possible, and encourage use of
community resources.
Because depression tends to drain a person’s energy, Starnes says helping them out by performing useful
tasks can not only be helpful, but also a real morale booster. Try picking up groceries for them, or making a
favorite meal and leaving it on their doorstep. (Be sure to call ahead!) Tackle yardwork or outside
household maintenance. Take their pet to the vet for needed care. Haul their garbage cans to and from the
curb each week. Shovel snow off their sidewalk and/or driveway.
Technology, adds Starnes, offers a huge benefit in helping people keep some sense of connectedness.
“There are so many ways you can include a loved one, neighbor or other senior in your life by using
teleconferencing or video chat apps,” says Starnes. “Connect daily or several times weekly. Try to keep
things upbeat but not forced. Eat meals ‘together’ and use the technology as a bridge between you.”
Starnes offers these ideas: work on craft projects, tree decorating, organizing family photos, or other
activities; cook or bake; listen to, sing or play music; have Grandma or Grandpa read to the kids during
story time; and drive around and look at Christmas lights – “together” thanks to technology that lets you all
share the experience.
Other ways of interacting that may also be appreciated: drive-by birthday tributes, posting cards and
artwork on seniors’ windows, leaving gifts on the doorstep, and making snowpeople or other fun displays
outside a window. Starnes suggests giving big, huggable stuffed animals as gifts.
“In the absence of another person or pet in the household, hugging a stuffed animal can still provide a
measure of comfort when a person needs someone to hug,” she says. “Besides, we’re all just kids at heart,
no matter what our ages.”
Community resources can be helpful, too. Check with senior centers, local food banks and pet food banks
through animal shelters. Some churches may have programs to make phone calls to people who are
isolated. You can support seniors and local businesses by ordering flowers or plants, special food items,
holiday décor and other gift items to be delivered or shipped directly to the older adult.
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Starnes urges concerned family members, friends, neighbors and others to encourage seniors who are at
risk for depression, or exhibiting symptoms, to contact LifeBridge Senior Program. LifeBridge offers
individual and group therapy – both in person and using Zoom – to help seniors 65 and older share their
concerns and fears in a nonjudgmental environment, regain perspective and confidence, and learn positive
coping skills for dealing with stress. LifeBridge also provides medication management and evaluations by a
doctor who specializes in older adult mental health.
The program is currently accepting participants. Call 260-569-2111 or email
michelle.starnes@parkview.com for information. If you become aware that someone you know is
experiencing suicidal thoughts, please urge them to call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-
273-8255, or Parkview Behavioral Health Institute’s Help Line at 260-373-7500 or 800-284-8439 to talk
with someone immediately.
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