Posted by Marjie Sokoll
Most of us look forward to celebrating holidays with friends and family. But for those who are grieving a loss, the holiday can seem unbearably sad. JF&CS Jewish Healing Connections is offering a timely program, Finding Light in Times of Darkness, a conversation about the challenges of celebrating Hanukkah while grieving.
Holidays may also trigger alarm bells of concern for the safety and independence of a parent or other older relative. Here are a few things to look for when you visit:
- Spoiled or outdated food in the refrigerator
- Multiple pill bottles, with both new and outdated prescriptions mixed together
- Mail and bills piling up, unopened or unpaid
- New dents or scrapes in the car
- Neediness, irritability, and/or confusion
If you are uncertain about how to evaluate what you see, or how to offer help, consider the value of requesting a consultation and/or assessment from a JF&CS Geriatric Care Manager.
Marjorie U. Sokoll, MEd, director of Jewish Life and Healing, is the founder and director of JF&CS Jewish Healing Connections, which helps ensure that people feel a sense of connection when facing the challenges of illness, loss, or isolation by offering spiritual and communal supports to foster hope, comfort, and wholeness guided by Jewish tradition. “It is not good for people to be alone.” (Genesis 2:18)