Preferred Care at Home Spreads Holiday Cheer with an Inspirational Gift

By: Preferred Care at Home | 1 Shares 148 Reads

Preferred Care at Home Publishes Book to Lift the Spirit and Health of Elderly Affected by Holiday Depression

BOCA RATON, FL, December 10, 2008 /24-7PressRelease/ -- December 10, 2008 - Preferred Care at Home, a national non-medical home care franchise company specializing in reliable, compassionate and affordable elderly care, helps combat holiday depression with a gift book to help inspire and encourage the elderly population.

The book, entitled "Inspiration & Encouragement: Words from Caring Hearts", contains 24 pages of short stories and quotes from Preferred Care at Home franchises owners that have personally motivated them through difficult times. Its result nurtures the human spirit, promoting an enhanced outlook on the quality of life.

While Preferred Care at Home provides care and support to those who need help with daily life, they believe the holiday season is full of days that deserve extra attention.

According to the American Geriatrics Society and The Foundation for Health in Aging, "as many as half" of all older people have depression. This number easily increases during the holidays. Factors that may contribute to seasonal depression include:

Loss of a loved one
Loss of independence
Lost traditions

Jody Guerrieri, RN and Co-Founder of Preferred Care at Home, has had a personal account with holiday depression. "It has been about a decade since I started experiencing the holiday blues. Losing both my parents makes it a struggle at times to smile and be joyful during the holiday season; the memories become the strongest at that time of year. The things that help the most are having someone spend sincere time with me, letting me have a good cry, some laughs and hot chocolate."

"Over the past 24 years, I have watched many of our clients experience heightened depression during the holidays due to loss and loneliness. With some holiday cheer and a special gift, we hope to replace some of that lost joy," said Guerrieri.

Although slight depression is a normal part of aging, holiday depression can and should be treated. Companionship and open communication can greatly affect one's attitude and behavior. Family members may try new holiday traditions that they can easily participate in, like baking holiday treats or watching a favorite movie.

Preferred Care at Home franchise owners, throughout the holiday season, will visit those in need that are both homebound and in care facilities bearing the inspirational holiday gift. In addition, they may also offer holiday decorations, gift-wrapping, or respite care for the permanent caregiver.

About Preferred Care at Home

Preferred Care at Home is a national non-medical home care agency franchise, specializing in affordable elderly care to assist with daily tasks and offer emotional and social companionship. Services are provided in-home or at care facilities and enable clients to celebrate life, dignity and independence.

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