12/20/2025
The holidays can be tough for older family members in ways we don't always see. "We're kind of grieving the loss of our younger selves at times, the things that we used to be able to do," says Dr. Leslie Minna, InnovAge PACE's Vice President of Behavioral Health Services.
Kari Gant from InnovAge PACE Pueblo adds: "If we're down with the flu for a couple of days, we feel a little depressed because we can't do what we usually do. You magnify that about 100 times, and that's where some of our seniors are."
And it's not just emotional. Behavioral Health provider Shae Hocker explains that "losing the ability to take care of oneself is a major, major blow to their identity and their sense of self." Many seniors end up in the ER with untreated anxiety during the holidays.
Here's how to help:
- Pre-plan and communicate with family beforehand
- Keep choices simple (1-2 options max)
- Consider a smaller guest list
- Stay flexible if plans change
- Create quiet spaces for breaks
- Save the hard conversations for after the holidays
InnovAge PACE helps seniors stay independent at home with wraparound care including behavioral health support. Let's make this season easier for the people who matter most.
Watch the full segments:
Kari Gant on FOX21's Living Loving Local: https://youtu.be/6sqggfYbRvs
Dr. Leslie Minna on FOX31's Great Day Colorado: https://youtu.be/KhrWclmAuU8