Longwood At Oakmont, A Presbyterian SeniorCare Network Community

For many of us, the holiday season is a joyful time. Its a rare chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and spend quality time with our loved ones. But for those dealing with the loss of someone close to them, the holidays can be an especially challenging period. Society tends to put a clock on grief, says Pastor Gary Gibson, Director of Spiritual Care and Chaplain at Presbyterian SeniorCare Network. Everyone goes through this process very, very differently. We must be respectful of that. If you or someone close to you is dealing with loss this time of year, its important to know that the most wonderful time of the year doesnt need to be the most difficult. Below are five tips Pastor Gary recommends to people struggling with grief over the holidays. 1. Set realistic expectations for yourself The holidays can be a stressful time for everyone, but they can be especially anxiety-inducing for someone dealing with loss. Its important to be honest with yourself about what youre capable of doing this time of year, Pastor Gary says. We shouldnt let other people determine what we should and should not do. 2. Surround yourself with people who love and support you This holiday season, evaluate your familys understanding of where you are in your journey. Keep in mind that while your friends and family may not always know the right thing to say or the best way to comfort you, they are in your corner and want to help. 3. Dont ignore your holiday traditions While the temptation might be there, try to do everything you can to avoid canceling your holiday plans and traditions. People will tell me they dont want to put up the tree or hang lights outside, Pastor Gary says. But for most people, the person they lost loved the holidays just as much as they did. Its important to still honor their memory. 4. Volunteer Whether its with a local food pantry, hospital, womens shelter or The Salvation Army, helping others is a surefire way to feel better during the holidays. While the first day or two may be difficult, once you volunteer a few times, you may find yourself going back every chance you get. 5. Small progress is still progress It could be hearing the persons favorite Christmas song on the radio or going to a coffee shop alone, but every person who has lost a loved one deals with triggers this time of year. The important thing is to not let it prevent you from making progress each day. Maybe the next time you go to the coffee shop, sit down and hang out for 10 or 15 minutes, Pastor Gary says. You may be surprised at who you might meet. Grief during the holidays is a battle, but with a positive mindset and the support of those around you, there is always hope. You can do it, Pastor Gary says. You just need to continue to encourage yourself to put one foot in front of the other.

Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, one of western Pennsylvanias largest aging services providers, opened a first-of-its-kind on-site health clinic to serve the residents of its affordable housing apartments in the Washington area. The clinic is located inside Bellmead Apartments, 815 S. Main St., Washington, which serves about 120 residents. A ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony was held March 16.  The new, on-site clinic means Bellmead residents can make doctors appointments and visit the clinic without having to leave the apartment building.  Residents of two other nearby apartments operated by the Network HaveLoch Commons and Heritage House of Houston can schedule appointments to receive care directly inside their apartments. These two apartments serve a combined 90 residents.This Collaborative Healthy Living Model was made possible by a $500,000 Healthy Aging Challenge grant from the Henry L. Hillman Foundation. Curana Health, a primary care medical provider group, is partnering with Presbyterian SeniorCare Network in this effort. Celeste Golonski, senior vice president of strategic initiatives for Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, said this will help older adults to navigate the healthcare system more easily. We understand the healthcare system is overwhelming, complicated, and frustrating especially for seniors, Golonski said. Our goal is for every senior to get the care and services they need, when needed, in the way they choose. More clinics are expected to open throughout the year in affordable housing communities across the Network. The overall effort is an outgrowth of the new Center for Innovation and Care Transformation at Presbyterian SeniorCare Network. About Presbyterian SeniorCare NetworkFor 95 years, Presbyterian SeniorCare Network has been focused on Making Aging Easier  for older adults and their families. Presbyterian SeniorCare Network serves more than 6,500 older adults through in-home and community-based programs across 11 Western Pennsylvania counties.