For many, the holidays are a time of joy—homes filled with laughter, the scent of baking pies, and the comfort of familiar traditions. But for individuals in long-term care, the season can feel bittersweet. While the lights still twinkle and the music still plays, the memories they stir may carry both warmth and ache.
The holidays often remind older adults of what’s changed—beloved faces that are no longer there, homes that have been left behind, or traditions that now look different. These reflections can deepen a sense of loneliness, even in the most caring environments. Recognizing that truth allows us to meet it with tenderness.
When the Holidays Stir the Heart
The holiday season holds a lifetime of memories—family dinners, laughter around the tree, the soft hush of midnight services. For many individuals, these moments live vividly in their minds, yet can feel painfully distant in the present.
Loneliness during the holidays doesn’t always look like sadness. It might show as quiet withdrawal, a change in appetite, or even unexpected irritability. Beneath those behaviors often lies a longing to feel connected—to be remembered and valued.
When caregivers and community members take time to listen, to share a memory, or simply to sit together, they transform ordinary moments into something healing. Sometimes, presence itself is the greatest gift.
Simple Ways to Foster Connection
Creating connection doesn’t require elaborate plans—just intention and heart.
- Holiday Buddies: Pair individuals together for shared activities like decorating cookies, writing cards, or listening to holiday music. Companionship often blooms in these gentle moments.
- Storytelling Circles: Invite individuals to share memories of past holidays or traditions from their culture. Storytelling can awaken joy and help others see one another through shared humanity.
- Virtual Family Moments: For loved ones far away, video calls or recorded greetings can bring smiles that bridge distance.
- Quiet Corners for Reflection: Some individuals may prefer peace over festivity. Offering quiet spaces for reflection, prayer, or calm activities honors their needs with dignity and care.
Connection looks different for everyone—but it always begins with seeing the person, not just the season.
Raising Awareness: The Hidden Weight of the Season
Loneliness in older adults is more than a passing feeling—it’s a powerful emotional experience that can affect overall health and well-being. During the holidays, those feelings may deepen as memories resurface and social routines shift.
Bringing awareness to this reality helps us care more intentionally. It reminds us that emotional well-being deserves the same attention as physical health. When we make time to nurture connection, we affirm that every life story continues to hold meaning, purpose, and love.
Together, We Can Make Sure No One Is Alone
As the year draws to a close, let’s fill our communities with more than lights and carols—let’s fill them with empathy, listening, and genuine connection.
Every kind word, every shared story, every gentle moment of presence matters. Together, we can ensure that no one faces the holidays in silence or isolation.
💗 Call to Action: Healthcare Academy’s upcoming course on loneliness in older adults offers deeper insight into how understanding, empathy, and communication can transform emotional care. Because compassion isn’t just a feeling—it’s a skill that changes lives.
Author
Amanda Keith, MSN, RN, PHN, PhD
Healthcare Academy Clinical Content Manager
