How to Support an Elderly Loved One Through the January Blues
- Homelium
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
January can be a difficult time for many people, but for older adults, the post-Christmas period can feel especially challenging. The excitement of the festive season has passed, daylight is limited, the weather is colder, and routines can feel quieter and more isolating.
If you have an elderly loved one, you may notice they seem lower in mood, less motivated, or more withdrawn during this time. The good news is that there are many simple, meaningful ways you can support them and Homelium is here to help every step of the way.
1. Maintain Regular Contact — Even Small Check-Ins Matter
A quick phone call, a video chat or popping in for a cup of tea can lift someone’s mood more than you realise. Routine check-ins help your loved one feel connected, valued and supported, especially when days feel long or quiet.
If you're unable to visit as often as you’d like, Homelium’s companionship care offers friendly, familiar faces who provide conversation, reassurance and genuine emotional support.
2. Encourage Gentle Routine & Daily Structure
After the busy festive season, January can feel slow and unstructured. Help your loved one create a simple daily routine, such as setting mealtimes, choosing small tasks to complete, or planning enjoyable activities like reading, puzzles or short walks (weather permitting).
Homelium carers can support with:
Encouraging healthy routines
Providing motivation
Helping with day-to-day tasks
Offering warm, friendly company throughout the day
3. Keep Homes Warm & Safe
Cold temperatures can significantly impact health, mobility and overall wellbeing and may contribute to the “January Blues.”
Make sure:
The heating is set to a comfortable level
Blankets and warm clothes are easily accessible
There’s a steady supply of food and essentials
Medication is organised and taken on time
Homelium can assist with wellbeing check-ins, warm home checks, medication reminders and light household support to help your loved one stay safe and comfortable.
4. Encourage Social Interaction
Loneliness is one of the biggest contributors to low mood in older people during the winter months.
Even short moments of connection make a huge difference.
Homelium supports this through:
Live-in care for those who need continuous support
Caregiver coffee mornings, where people can meet others, chat and feel part of a community
Our events offer a warm, welcoming environment where individuals and family carers can find conversation, advice and friendly company.
5. Offer Emotional Reassurance
Sometimes January simply feels tough and that’s okay. Reassure your loved one that they’re not alone and that it’s normal to feel a little low after the festive season.
A caring conversation, shared memory, or a walk down familiar routines can offer comfort.
Homelium carers are trained not just to provide practical care, but to listen, comfort and support emotional wellbeing too.
6. Consider Additional Support if Needed
If you notice your loved one is struggling more than usual, finding daily tasks difficult, or feeling increasingly isolated, it may be time to explore additional support.
Homelium can provide:
Companionship care
Personal care and home support
Live-in care for peace of mind 24/7
Respite care to give family carers a well-deserved break
Our care is tailored to each individual, ensuring they feel safe, supported and connected.
Homelium Is Here to Help Through the January Blues
If you’re concerned about an elderly loved one during the winter months, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Homelium offers a warm, compassionate approach to care that focuses on:
Reducing loneliness
Supporting independence
Providing emotional comfort
Ensuring safety at home
Contact Homelium today for a free, no-obligation care consultation and receive 2 hours of free care! We’re here to make January feel a little brighter, for both you and your loved one.
📞 0333 3448 677 or fill out a contact form by clicking here
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