Tips for Holiday Depression for Elderly, Family and Caretakers

                                                                       

Approximately 6 million people over 65 are depressed. But unfortunately, few seek treatment. Chronic health issues, feelings of loneliness, and loss of loved ones can exacerbate feelings of depression and make the holidays a very difficult time for some seniors.

Following is a resource guide for the elderly, their caregivers and their family members with tips and advice on how to beat holiday depression.

FOR CAREGIVERS

Look for signs of depression. As this article from the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation explains, the holidays can be a difficult time for older adults who may be dealing with the loss of loved ones and past traditions. The article points out that while feeling blue can be normal, depression isn’t. The article notes that it is important for caretakers to be on the look out for signs of depression, such as persistent sadness, frequent tearfulness, weight changes, changes in sleep patterns, etc.

Plan holiday outings and events. As this article notes, one way caregivers can help older adults avoid holiday depression is to plan fun holiday activities. For example, the article suggests going caroling, including them in decorating, making holiday crafts, taking them holiday shopping, etc.

Listen. As this article on geriatric depression notes, one of the best things you can do is take time to truly listen to the older adults under your care. It recommends taking 15 minutes each day to spend just listening to them. It is important for them to be able to talk about their feelings and to know that they’re being heard.

Encourage them to talk about old memories. As this article from GTN News notes, an elderly person who has undergone changes either as result of the death of a spouse or moving to a care facility may need help connecting meaning to the holidays. The article suggests that a great way to help them do so is to encourage them to talk about their memories of past holidays. Sit with the person and look through photo albums or watch family videos, if available to you. And then, as mentioned above, listen carefully to the stories they tell.

Plan quiet time. The Caregiver Alliance at Central Boston Elder Services provides this “Caregivers Guide for Managing the Holidays.” It provides many great tips for caregivers on how to help themselves during the holidays and how to help those they care for. One great tip is to be sure to plan quiet time. The holidays are full of hustle and bustle and this can be disruptive to an elderly person. Plan some quiet time between the holiday parties and family visits so that they can recharge their batteries.

Use the Geriatric Depression Scale. As this article from the National Care Planning Council explains, the Geriatric Depression Scale was developed to provide a simple way to screen elderly people for depression. It asks “Yes/No” questions and its scores can be used to decide whether an elderly person may need additional care for their depression.

Take them for a drive to see Christmas lights. This article from TheCitizen.com provides tips on how to help the elderly with depression during the holidays. One tip suggests taking seniors for a drive to see Christmas lights. It’s a great way to get them out of the house for a bit and is the perfect outing for those with mobility issues.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself. The holidays can be hard on caregivers, too. This article provides tips on how to prevent the “caregiving blues” during the holidays. It suggests asking others to help lighten your load, meditating, avoiding striving for perfection, and many other great tips to boost your own mental health this holiday season.

FOR FAMILY MEMBERS

Before Checklist

Consider recent changes that could cause depression. As this article notes, certain life changes can trigger depression in older adults. It provides advice on how to help a parent deal with depression that follows the diagnoses of the following illnesses/health problems:

Depression and diabetes
Depression and Parkinson’s disease
Depression and stroke
Depression and Alzheimer’s disease
Depression and chemotherapy
Depression and a broken hip
Depression after a heart attack
Depression and pneumonia or the flu
Depression and vision loss
Depression and radiation therapy
Depression and breathing problems
Find ways to include elderly family members in your holiday prep. This article provides many great tips on how to help elderly family members who may feel depressed during the holidays. One tip emphasizes the importance of helping them keep busy and active. A great way to do that is to include them in your own holiday prep and planning.

During Checklist
Assess how they’re doing overall. This article from AARP suggests you can make the most of the holidays by using the time with your elderly loved one to assess how they’re faring. It recommends considering areas such as mobility, health, and finances. These are all problem spots that can contribute to depression when difficulties arise.

Help with specific tasks. As this article from the Crestview News Bulletin notes, holiday traditions are important and simply helping an elderly relative carry on those traditions can mean a lot to them. The article provides tips on how to do so. For example, you might help an elderly loved one with their favorite holiday recipe, help them decorate and/or wrap presents, help them send holiday cards to their other loved ones, and so on.

Don’t ask them to “snap out of it.” This article on caring for someone with depression provides a great reminder: If an elderly loved one seems depressed during the holidays, it isn’t productive or helpful to ask them to “snap out of it” or “get their act together.” Instead, encourage them to talk about what they’re feeling.

If you can’t visit, call. As this article notes, you may live away from your elderly relative and aren’t able to be with them during the holidays. If so, be sure to call them frequently and encourage other family members and friends to call them. Also, the article suggests encouraging your elderly relative to take part in holiday activities and events. Staying busy can be a great way to beat the holiday blues.

After Checklist

Watch for ongoing signs of depression. As this article notes, what at first may seem like the “holiday blues” could turn into depression if not treated. If signs of depression continue in an elderly relative after the holidays are over, help them seek treatment.

Keep up communication. As this article notes, the fun and excitement that come with the holidays may actually help to buoy your loved one’s spirits. Sometimes the trouble can come after the holidays when elderly loved ones may experience loneliness or post-holiday sadness. The article recommends visiting elderly loved ones frequently after the holidays. If you don’t live close by, call or send cards. Just let them know you’re thinking about them.

Follow up. This article from the National Alliance on Mental Illness provides tips on helping a depressed family member during the holidays. As it notes, if you’ve spoken to an elderly loved one about seeking care for their depression, be sure to follow up with them after the holidays. Don’t let the matter drop. Check in with them to see if they’ve sought help and ask if they need help.

For the Elderly

Know how to beat the holiday blues. As this article notes the American Geriatrics Society's Health in Aging Foundation recognizes that the holidays can be a difficult time of year for older adults. It points readers to the Foundation’s “Tips for Beating the Holiday Blues,” which provide great advice for the elderly, such as “get out and about,” “drink responsibly,” “talk to someone,” and more.

Remember loved ones but make new traditions. This article from WebMD provides great advice on how to protect ones mental health during the holidays. Some of the tips are especially good for older adults to keep in mind. For example, if you’ve lost loved ones and/or won’t be able to enjoy the usual holiday traditions, the article recommends starting a new tradition, something everyone can enjoy. It also recommends finding ways at the holidays to commemorate those you’ve lost.

Be aware of holiday depression triggers. This article from Health.com provides 11 great tips on how to stay positive and truly happy during the holidays. Here they are:

Plan ahead.
Avoid family conflict.
Forget perfection.
Learn to grieve.
Schedule some sleep.
Get help.
Prioritize workouts.
Consider your light exposure.
Focus on what matters.
Don’t binge on food and alcohol.
Cut back on commitments.
Don’t wait for the feelings to pass. This article from the Providence Journal provides tips on how to handle holiday depression. One of the tips stresses the importance of getting help if you’re feeling depressed. Discuss how you’re feeling with your doctor. As the article reminds, depression is an illness and going untreated will only make things worse.

Eat healthy. As this article notes, the holidays bring with them lots of unhealthy holiday treats and beverages. Be careful not to overdo it. Understand, as the article says, that “good physical health contributes to good mental health.”

Don’t feel guilty if you can’t afford certain gifts. As this article notes, you may be living on a fixed income, which means you may not be able to afford expensive gifts for family members. Don’t let this get you down. Make a budget for gifts and stick to it. Being responsible with your money will help prevent money worries later on.Let go of past resentments. If you’re holding on to old grudges with family members or other close ones, this article from Psychology Today, recommends letting them go. It suggests that holding on to these resentments can contribute to the holiday blues. Let those negative feelings go and enjoy the holidays.

Don’t give in to loneliness. As this information from the Mayo Clinic notes, the holidays can be stressful and stress can lead to or worsen depression. If part of your holiday stress comes from feeling lonely, the article recommends that you reach out to family members or other loved ones. Participate in holiday activities or, if you’re able, volunteer with a nonprofit and give back to others in your community.

Click on link for more information

American Medical Resource Institute

American Medical Resource Institute

6 Ways For Seniors to Get a Helping Hand

                                               

Researching information for low income seniors, I found the following information:

Nerdwallet

1. Get help with utility bills
Need help paying your heating or phone bill? These programs may be able to help:

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households cover heating and cooling costs. Grants are issued via states, which receive funding from the Department of Health and Human Services. Each state sets its own eligibility requirements, including income levels.
The Lifeline program offers discounted landline or cell phone service. Lifeline is an income-based program, so you must meet certain eligibility requirements.


2. Thinking of going back to school? Check this out!

Apply for college grants
College grants, like the federal Pell Grant, can make it easier to pay for college. Students who are eligible for the Pell Grant could get up to $6,095 for the 2018-19 award year. The exact amount awarded is based on factors that include financial need, the cost of attendance and enrollment status. Students can apply for the Pell Grant by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. The application is also used to qualify for many state and institutional grants and scholarships

3. In addition to receiving food and access to the nutrition services, seniors are offered daily contact with staff or program volunteers. This means someone can check up on them as well as provide company. They will provide seniors a link to additional services in their communities. Find out how to apply for Meals on Wheels

Free food is offered to seniors over 60 years of age from the federal government funded Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). Healthy meals and groceries are offered in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and your state. Additional nutrition information is also provided in order to help facilitate good health from the USDA CSFP program.

For seniors struggling to feed their pets, free dog or cat food may be available too. Some Meals on Wheels services now provide this for low income elderly and the homebound. It is not yet offered nationwide, but an increasing number of providers are implementing this program for those elderly households that have a very low income.

The free food for a clients pet will free up their often fixed income salaries for other basic needs. In addition, having a healthy pet can really help a senior citizen or disabled person by providing companionship and other benefits. Learn where to go to get free pet food from meals on wheelsand how the service benefits the homebound.

4. Help with Rent Programs

Get help with rent and find assistance
Find help with paying your rent from various government agencies, non-profit organizations and charity programs. Some of the agencies may provide ongoing financial aid. Or learn how to apply for one time rental assistance as well as get referrals for longer term housing support. The exact type of assistance available will depend on the amount of funds available as well as the tenant’s situation. Applicants can either get help with rent or they can get support in signing up for public housing or other resources.

State and local government organizations that help pay rent
Many states as well as local governments operate agencies that administer public assistance type programs that can provide help paying rent, security deposits, or other housing expenses. For example Massachusetts offers RAFT, the THHSC is available in Texas, the Florida EFAHP program, and there is the Connecticut RAP. There are some of the state administered rent assistance programs available for struggling tenants.

The organizations offer one time or ongoing rental assistance by issuing free grants and there are many other government housing benefits available as well. Each state run program is focused on offering short term financial assistance to help pay a portion of the rent that is due, and this is done in an effort to reduce homelessness in the community.


The goal is to provide temporary rental assistance to low to moderate income tenants. To learn more on how to apply for funds, contact the assistance agencies and programs in your state. The case managers will provide information on how to get rent help from these types of resources. Each county, city, and town will often have numerous local agencies that can offer rental payment assistance, and they are also listed on the page.
In addition to the government organizations, there are many other non-profit options available for rent help, including churches, charities like the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and other groups. Many of them partner with the government, and they too will offer assistance for paying rent. The information is located across this site along with details on how to apply for funds.

Or call your local community action agency to find how they can offer low income families short term rental assistance. Case managers will go over what government services and grant type programs that may be available. The staff can help tenants apply for funds as well. There is also a search box above to find local programs that can offer help with paying rent or other housing costs. Type in your need (such as need help for back rent), city, county, or state to search for assistance.

Rental assistance from Federal Housing grant programs
The federal government provides billions of dollars each and every year for housing as well as ongoing rental assistance. There is the Emergency Solutions Grants program, which is the main one. Additional support includes vouchers, free legal support, and a wide variety of other assistance programs that may all help with making rent payments. The government and ESG will also provide additional funds on an annual basis to local agencies.

The money is allocated across the nation with thousands of non-profits receiving grants, and the money is given directly to qualified applicants. All of the funds have a goal of helping tenants pay past due rent or even utility bills. There are funds being allocated each and every year to families that are struggling to keep up with their housing needs.

The name of the primary resource being funded is The Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program, but there are others. Most of the rental help is being distributed at the local government level. Your local social service agency, county government, charities and other organizations will process applications. Learn more and find how to apply for homeless prevention services, and discover how it combines rent help along with case management.

Find how to get help from Federal Government organizations
The largest organization is HUD (Housing and Urban Development). The agency administers several different programs for the homeless, tenants facing eviction, and low income families. Almost 1.5 million families use one or more of their programs. Housing and Urban Development helps those in need pay their rent as well as security deposits. There are also vouchers available from HUD that can help the disabled as well as senior citizens pay any rental arrears they may have. Or the vouchers can be used to access subsidized housing. Other housing costs such as energy bills may be paid for as well.

Most of the financial aid is targeted to low income individuals, including senior citizens and the disabled. In addition to offering grants that help pay rent, the government Rental Voucher Program also helps to increase the availability of affordable housing choices. It does this by allowing families to select privately owned rental housing, including apartments or townhomes. Read more on local HUD housing programs.

USDA Rural Development provides affordable housing, vouchers, and rental assistance for struggling rural families. Beneficiaries tend to be low-income residents, disabled, immigrants, farmers, and the elderly who live in multi-unit housing buildings in smaller cities or towns. Continue with USDA rental assistance programs.

Veterans and their families can get help with paying rent from a federal government resource known as Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program. It is a grant based program that can provide financial help for one or more months. This service is providing rental assistance vouchers as well as security deposit assistance to both veterans as well as their immediate family members. It can also be used to stop evictions from happening. Read more on rent help for veterans.

Receive legal advice to prevent evictions. Over one million people per year receive some form of free legal assistance or counsel from an attorney to help them deal with evictions as well as pay or quit notices. Lawyers not only provide advice, but often can refer clients to resources that can help them pay their rent or address other housing expenses. The assistance is provided from the federal government funded Legal Services Corp.

As part of this federal government funded service, attorneys can try to mediate a solution with your landlord in order to help with any rent payments and advise you on your rights. Or they can help you apply for government benefits such section 8, offer help with solving housing discrimination, represent the tenant in housing court, and provide applications to other forms of financial aid. There may even be lawyers that can represent the tenant in housing court, and this process may refer the client to a place that can help them with their rent. Find more details on free legal advice.

Apply for free government or private grants for paying rent. The funds will not need to be repaid. There is money available for paying rental arrears and related housing costs. Many non-profit private organizations as well as the government have information on or offer cash grants that can be used to help pay rent.

Housing First is a solution that combines money for paying rent, moving costs, lease application fees, and other costs along with a home or permanent, affordable apartment to live in. The federal government, using agencies such as HUD, partners with states and non-profits to offer this solution. The rental assistance as well as placement into permanent housing helps reduce homelessness in local communities. Learn more on Housing First programs.

Eviction prevention programs
In a crisis, tenants can find emergency rental assistance from programs that prevent homelessness from evictions. The federal government, many local and state housing authorities as well as non profit organizations have emergency eviction prevention programs in place. It combines everything from legal aid to short term housing as well as help with paying past due rental costs. The assistance is targeted at low and moderate income individuals as well as families that have notice from their landlord.

Many of the programs will try to prevent evictions and associated lawsuits by assisting with a small portion of past due rental costs, with a goal of stopping homelessness. Some even try to stop foreclosures. They provide resources such as mediation, landlord and tenant assessments, conflict resolution, direct rent payments or grants to tenants, as well as other forms of expedited rental assistance. Or an agency may be able to help you locate more affordable housing. Continue with eviction prevention.

Families with an eviction on their record due to unpaid rent or even energy bills often find it difficult to lease a new home. They often need assistance is trying to work through any legal issues or credit score challenges. Lawyers, along with non-profits, can provide help. They offer everything from free advice on dealing with courts to resources that provide help for rent, deposits, and credit counseling. Find more information on renting with a past eviction on your record.

Rent assistance from charities and local resources
For short term rent help, there are many local community groups, churches, and charitable organizations that will sometimes have funds that can help people who are having financial difficulties. Some of the non-profit organizations, such as the Salvation Army and United Way, can assist with making back rent payments if they have funding available. Find how to contact, and apply at, some of these charities below.

The demand for any time of rent assistance is always very high. Priority is often given to people living in an apartment who are faced with a short term financial hardship or crisis and that also have some form of income. Many of these charities as well as non-profits have some type of money that can help with paying housing costs. Funds can be used to cover back rent, energy bills and even security deposits.

Dozens of national and local charities help with rental expenses. They will also often provide case management, referrals, and other social services. Even if they do not have funding, staff from a charity often can provide information on how to apply for free grants for paying back rent. See the following link of organizations that can help.

There are also additional charities or not for profit organizations that can provide help with paying other housing costs, such as utility and heating bills. Resources provided are often one-time-only or they are given on a first-come-first-served basis. This means that you should not depend on these sources over the long term for ongoing rent or housing assistance.

Calling and applying at these organizations, even if you are not directly affiliated with their group or already a member, can sometimes get you the financial help you need. Or if an organization does not have funding, many can refer people to another agency that can help with paying rent as well as other bills if your need is great.

Some examples of agencies that can help with these types of expenses include Catholic Charities, government social service offices, the United Way, American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and Legal Aid Society. There are other organizations that can assist with rent in a crisis, such as applicants dealing with unexpected unemployment or a reduction in household income. Find more emergency rent assistance agencies.

Many local churches are increasing their assistance programs, including offering more rent help, electric bill aid, and more. However many of these churches rely heavily on donations from the community and therefore tend to have very limited funding available.

Short term and transitional housing programs are operated by numerous non-profit agencies. For families that are behind on their rent and facing imminent eviction or individuals that are currently homeless, these programs can help them find a place to live, such as a shelter or low income apartment. They can also help clients gain self-sufficiency as they stay in this short term housing.

Once stability occurs, get assistance in locating a new, low income home or apartment to live in. While more limited, some of these transitional services can direct qualified clients to resources that can help them pay for expenses. There may be financial help to pay for moving costs, a security deposit, storage fees, or maybe even the first months rent that is due to the landlord for their new home. Find a list of temporary transitional housing programs, including apartments or shelters.

Non-profits as well as charity organizations may also offer help with paying rental deposits. In general, if a family is living in a now unaffordable home, or if an individual was homeless and they now have a job, assistance may be provided. There may also be help in paying for moving costs or first month’s rent that a landlord requires.

Financial help for a security deposit or moving expense is not as common. An agency will often want the applicant to be stable before any money is provided. However there may be short term rent assistance available as part of a rehousing program or other government backed program. Find more details on security deposit help.

Find help with rental payments for low income groups
Some agencies focus their resources on certain situation. As an example, there may be rent assistance available for the disabled, senior citizens, or maybe single parents. Other programs support families living in or under poverty guidelines or if the tenant does not have a job. Find solutions for single mothers, who may be given a cash grant that covers housing, including rent and moving costs, for themselves and their child.

Low income households with a physically or mentally disabled member may qualify for rent help. The federal government has two different voucher programs as well as income subsidized apartments, and this is in addition to any SSI payments. Government grants can help with paying rent, there may be funds for paying energy bills as well as other housing costs. The goal is to ensure the individual with a handicap has a home or apartment to live in. Find how to receive rental assistance for a disability.

Very low income families can get assistance with their rent from income based programs. The main one is HUD (Housing and Urban Development) section 8 vouchers. This will require the family to pay a portion of their income for their housing expenses, including rent, utilities, and other costs. HUD also can provide loans or grants to help a family eventually buy a home when the time is right.



Most of the support is for families living in or near poverty. But there is also rental assistance for low income senior citizens, the mentally or physically disabled, and victims of domestic abuse. The government will provide financial aid to the client, and the funds or vouchers can help pay some of their rent while the family will need to pay the balance of what is due. Read more details on HUD section 8 housing choice vouchers.

Need Additional Rent Help or Assistance?
Send us an email @ info@needhelppayingbills.com  Please include your email address and state. The information is needed to send a reply. Or visit or register in the community forum (the link is on the lower right margin) and we will reply to your message there. about resources that may offer help with rent payments.


5. THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SENIOR CITIZEN LOW INCOME ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Posted by Ben Todd | Oct 26, 2015 |

Read Rull Article Echeck.org

There is a wide variety of assistance available for Senior Citizens throughout the United States. Many of the assistance programs available can make life easier for the senior citizens and their families. These programs covers a wide range of services and programs that include, housing assistance, food assistance as well as healthcare assistance. There are several to choose from that many are not even aware of, so as a result, this article will explore all the assistance programs available, and how and where to find them.

6. New Retirement 

Help for Seniors with Low Income: Government Benefits and More!

February 6, 2018 | by Kathleen Coxwell

A recent study by the Commonwealth Fund found that seniors apply for low income benefits at significantly lower rates than other demographics – even though there are greater out of pocket health care expenses and usually fewer alternatives like additional work to fund these needs.

While numerous public and private programs hope to provide financial assistance to vulnerable retirees, a sizable proportion of eligible seniors do not participate in the programs. In some cases as few as 25 percent of eligible seniors participate in a program.

The Commonwealth Fund study suggested that enrollment would increase by increasing awareness of programs and simplifying the application process. Read More