How to Spot Seasonal Depression in Seniors Before the Holidays
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, many of us feel a shift in our routines and moods. We notice the sun setting earlier, we spend more time indoors, and we begin the steady march toward the busy holiday season. For some, it’s a cozy and exciting time of year. But for many older adults, these changes can bring on something heavier: seasonal depression.
At Karis Care Services, we see how this season can affect seniors in ways families may not always expect. That’s why it’s important to understand the signs and know how to respond with care and compassion.
Why Seniors Are More Vulnerable to Seasonal Depression
Seasonal depression doesn’t discriminate—it can affect anyone. But seniors often carry a heavier burden for a few reasons:
Less sunlight exposure: With colder weather and mobility limitations, seniors may not get outdoors as often, meaning less vitamin D and less natural light. Both affect mood and sleep cycles.
Increased isolation: Family schedules often get busier in the fall with school, work, and holiday prep. Seniors can find themselves spending long stretches of time alone.
Chronic conditions: Pain, illness, or reduced energy can amplify the emotional toll of the season.
Memories and grief: For some older adults, the holidays highlight losses of loved ones or bring back bittersweet memories.
Put together, these factors make autumn and winter especially challenging for many seniors.
Signs of Seasonal Depression to Watch For
One of the hardest things about seasonal depression is that it can look like “normal aging.” But there are specific signs you can keep an eye on: services
Loss of interest in favorite activities.
Changes in appetite.
Withdrawal from family and friends.
Sleep disruptions.
Irritability or sadness.
Fatigue.
These may appear subtle at first, but together they paint a clearer picture of seasonal depression.
A Story That Stuck With Me
I don’t have a personal experience with Seasonal Affective Disorder myself, but I’ve seen firsthand how the holidays can either feel heavy or light depending on the support someone has. Sometimes, just having a caregiver there to do the things that have become “too much” can completely change the season for a senior.
I remember one client in particular who had an amazing Christmas village with nearly a hundred pieces, each one carrying its own memories. In recent years, those pieces had stayed in boxes, gathering dust, because the effort of setting it all up was simply overwhelming for him. But then one of our caregivers stepped in.
Every November, she would carefully unwrap each piece, make sure it was in good shape, and then wait for his instructions on where it should be placed. As she worked, he told her stories about how he collected the set, the memories tied to it, and how his children would play with the pieces when they were young.
Once everything was assembled, she plugged the village in, turned it on…and it was as if time turned back. His mood lifted, his days seemed brighter, and even his health seemed to improve. He kept that Christmas village up well into January because it brought him so much joy.
What touched me most was how grateful his family was. They lived far away, but they loved knowing that our caregiver could bring that holiday tradition back to life for their dad.
When I think about that story, it makes me smile and reminds me why we do this work. At Karis Care Services, we don’t just provide care—we help recreate wonderful memories, restore traditions, and bring peace of mind to families who can’t always be nearby.
Practical Steps Families and Caregivers Can Take
The good news is there are many small, intentional things families and caregivers can do to help seniors navigate this season with more light and hope:
Prioritize Natural Light and Bright Spaces — open blinds, sit near windows, add lamps.
Encourage Gentle Activity — short walks, stretching, chair yoga, or even hallway strolls.
Keep Consistent Routines — regular meals, sleep times, and family rituals.
Plan Social Engagements — schedule visits, calls, or meaningful activities.
Watch Nutrition and Hydration — warm, nourishing meals with seasonal produce.
Keep Holidays Simple but Meaningful — adapt traditions so seniors can still participate.
How Home Care Services Can Make a Difference
This is where the heart of what we do at Karis Care Services shines. Our caregivers are trained to notice subtle shifts in mood, activity, and engagement. When we step into a home, we’re not just there to provide physical support—we’re there to bring companionship, consistency, and joy.
Companionship combats loneliness.
Encouragement helps seniors stay engaged.
Routine support keeps days predictable and comforting.
Holiday connection allows seniors to still take part in traditions.
Conclusion: Shine a Little Light This Season
Seasonal depression in seniors is real, but it doesn’t have to define the fall and holiday months. By paying attention to the signs, encouraging healthy routines, and offering companionship, we can bring light into what might otherwise feel like a dark season.
At Karis Care Services, this is the heart of our mission—to make sure no senior feels supported, connected, and cared for, especially during the times of year that should be filled with joy.
If you’ve noticed changes in your loved one’s mood this fall, don’t wait until the holidays to act. Contact Karis Care Services today to learn how our caregivers can provide the support, companionship, and peace of mind your family needs.
