Posts By :

Robert Goodman, MSW

If You Fall and Can't Get Up

If You Fall and Can't Get Up 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Help if You Fall and Can’t Get Up
The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW
 
Jane lay on the bathroom floor eight hours overnight before a relative called to say good morning. Roger was on the floor for an hour before he crawled to the phone in the living room to call for help. Sarah was on the floor for several hours before a neighbor heard her cries for help. Only one of these single people living alone had an emergency medical alert, and she did not have it on her when she fell.
There are services available to help monitor the daily activities of seniors who may have health issues, who live alone, or may be homebound.
Sunshine Daily Telephone Reassurance is a free telephone reassurance program operated by 211 Palm Beach County to check on the well-being of seniors, the homebound or disabled.
Sunshine service is provided seven days a week between the 7:30AM-5:00PM. To register for this service just dial 2-1-1 and say that you would like to start receiving Sunshine calls.
We Care has a telephone reassurance and friendly visitor program for those who are homebound. To volunteer or to refer someone call 487.2827.
Another option is to get a personal emergency response service (PERS) or Medical Alert. This service, which works through your telephone line, provides a button or bracelet to wear at all times in your home. If you fall or need emergency assistance for any reason, a push of the button will alert the service. You must have the call button or watch on you at all times when at home. Emergency medical services will be called. There are some fees with medical monitoring services.
Carrying a portable phone with you as you move about your house could make it easier to call someone if you need assistance. You might also put a telephone in a place that you can reach from the floor in case you fall and need help.
There are several types of medical alert systems.
1.Self dialing, non-monitored systems
2. Basic home systems, with or without 2-way voice
3. Cell systems for homes with no telephone line
4. Mobile systems
Many of these services provide devices in the home that connect older adults to a 24-hour call center with the push of a button. The transmitter is typically worn on a neck pendant or wristband, and it sends a signal to a receiver that’s connected to the home telephone line. When the button is pushed, the staff at the call center evaluates the situation, deciding whether to call an ambulance or a designated friend or family member. With most PERS setups, your loved one can talk with the call center staff from anywhere in the house. 1
There are many of these services available. If you’re looking for a personal emergency response system, AARP and other professionals suggest keeping this checklist in mind:

  1. Look at several systems before making a decision.
  2. Compare costs. Charges for equipment and services typically include a setup fee ranging from $50 to $200 and a monthly fee ranging from $30 to $60. Most companies lease their equipment; a few require purchase. Private insurance or Medicare generally does not cover the devices.
  3. Read through the contract carefully and understand the cancellation process.
  4. Make sure the provider offers 24/7 customer care (preferably a call center) and technical support. (Ed. Note: Ask if they make daily contact with the customer.)
  5. Ask how often and by what procedures they test their system.
  6. Ask if a 30-day free or money back trial period is available2.
  7. It is helpful if the company has local support personnel. Otherwise equipment must be shipped back, if there is a problem.
  8. Ask if any special discount offers are available.
  9. Make sure the company has been in business for a number of years.
  10. Ask if the system includes a key holder and lock box. Fire/Rescue explains that these are essential parts of such services.

Coping with the Holidays

Coping with the Holidays 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Coping with the Holidays
By Robert Goodman, MSW
 
 
The holidays are supposed to be a time for family gathering, happiness, joyous celebrations, and hope. Unfortunately, for many it is a time of loneliness and sadness. The stress of the holidays can cause anxiety and depression.
Here are some suggestions by psychologists and social workers on how to cope with the holidays:

  1. Understand how the holidays affect you. What do they mean to you?
  2. If your holiday blues are a result of the stress from all the extra demands of the holidays, do some things to reduce the demands. Rethink how you view and approach the holidays.
  3. If your holiday blues are stemming from past losses, take advantage of the holidays to help you complete your mourning and lessen your grieving over the loss.
  4. Organize and plan your activities during this period. Stay busy and avoid unstructured time. Spend time in the clubhouse, participating in the many activities that are available. Exercise. Get involved in synagogue or church activities.
  5. Don’t isolate yourself. If you can’t be with family, invite some close friends over to share the holidays.
  6. Think of the blessings in your life: friends, children, grandchildren, etc.
  7. Volunteer your time.
  8. Try to avoid alcohol.
  9. Watch your finances. Overspending will cause worry over bills after the holidays are over.
  10. Don’t deny or try to hide your feelings of sadness. Seek professional help.
  11. Take time to reflect on past friendships and pleasant memories.

 

My Thoughts on Turning 60

My Thoughts on Turning 60 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

My Thoughts on Turning 60
The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW
After working as a geriatric social worker for 37 years, I am now preparing to enter senior citizenship. During that time, I have been a case worker, writer, volunteer coordinator, program director, senior center director, community organizer, advocate, and lobbyist. I am particularly grateful to the many people Broward and Palm Beach County whom I have worked with over the years. These include colleagues at the Lighthouse for the Blind, University of Miami, the Broward County Commission, the City of Hollywood, the Broward Legislative Delegation, the many networking groups I have been involved with, the advertisers who supported my printed resource guide and website, and the vendors who support my health fairs. A special thanks to Kin-Care for helping me establish a presence online.
The accomplishments that I am most proud of include developing a program for students with disabilities at Florida State University and bringing the non-drivers ID card to Florida. I am also proud of the work I have done in bringing information to the community.
Of course defining a senior citizen is not easy. AARP defines a senior as one over 50. The Older Americans Act defines a senior as one 60 and over. Social Security says you are eligible for reduced Social Security benefits at 62 and Medicare at 65. However, the retirement age is going up. Some programs are for people over 70. Senior citizen discounts range from age 50 to age 65.
There are benefits to turning sixty, more senior discounts are available and I am covered under the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965. The Older Americans Act funds home and community-based services, caregiver support, long-term care ombudsman programs and senior employment programs. I am now entitled to attend a senior center or day care center, receive meals, legal services, case management services, subsidized employment, transportation, prescription drug discounts, energy assistance, and other services. In Palm Beach County, the Area Agency on Aging uses the funding to plan, develop, and coordinate systems of supportive, in-home and community-based services. To find out more about these services contact the Area Agency on Aging at 866-684-5885. To find out what benefits you may qualify for log onto www.benefitscheckup.com.
I have always told my clients that age is a number and a state of mind. I am always being reminded of how young I am since moving to Century Village.
Benjamin Franklin once said, “All would live long, but none would be old. What should we actually expect of ourselves after sixty years? Must we eventually become senile and mentally old, or can we have a long life and remain alert and bright with opinions others respect? The answer is simple. Age itself creates very few mental problems; it simply makes us more transparent and reveals the way we have actually been all of our lives.”
We have been called older adults, mature adults, greedy geezers (remember the fight over Medicare in the 80’s?), older people, young at heart, and golden agers. What we are is a part of America that won’t take being pushed around by elected officials or anyone else. We need to stand up for our rights and the services we need.
Working with a population and living with that group is very different and you become aware of things that you never learned in the classroom or working in the field. Every day I see how youthful and active “seniors” are. My field of social work was community organizing, so I always knew the ability of older adults to be active and involved in their communities.
We have some wonderful people living and working in Century Village–from the volunteers at We Care to the people teaching courses in the clubhouse. I see people going on with their lives every day in spite of disabilities, health issues, and mobility limitations.
I am happy to be entering into the third age of mankind. As a young social worker clients told me that time goes faster as we grow older. Now that I am entering the third age, I believe them. I look forward to many productive years as an active and concerned member of this community.
 

Aging and Retirement

Aging and Retirement 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW
Things to Know as we Retire and Age
 
May is Older Americans Month. This is a good time to discuss some important things to keep in mind when we retire and as we age.
I used to tell my clients “all you need to know when you retire is how to sign your name and know your Social Security number”. The world has changed a lot since those days. Now you have to be informed about health care, available social services, advocacy, legislation, Medicare fraud, scams against the elderly, and your rights and benefits.
Independence is very important to all of us. Many of us have grown up in a society that assigned certain roles to men and women. Those roles may change when one is alone after divorce or losing a loved one. In today’s world it is important for both men and women to know how to shop, cook, plan a menu, clean and maintain a home, manage finances and make small repairs. It is important to learn them before you need them.
It is also important to learn about nutrition. The Department of Health and Human Service’s (HHS) health.gov website explains that many older adults don’t eat enough foods that contain calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. Fruits and vegetables contain many of these nutrients. Vitamin E is found in many ready-to-eat cereals, nuts, and vegetable oils. Calcium and vitamin D are found in fat-free and low-fat milk. At the same time, many older adults eat too many foods high in calories, saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, and salt.
Getting the nutrients you need through a healthy diet is essential for overall health. HHS recommends selecting foods that are enriched with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients, but lower in calories. (Sources: www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines and www.healthfinder.gov/prevention).
Your health is also important as you age. Make a list of your health conditions, medications, surgical history, and allergies. Include the phone numbers and addresses of all your doctors and pharmacies and bring it with you when visiting a new doctor. In addition carry with you a list of medicines and supplements that you are currently taking. Request and keep copies of important test results and your latest lab reports.
Medicare now provides for an annual wellness visit. Take advantage of this to check your blood pressure, cholesterol, vision, hearing, and osteoporosis. Also, remember to get screened for colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer.
One issue that is often overlooked is one’s mental health. It is important to learn the signs of depression, anxiety, and addictive behaviors (I have written on these topics in earlier columns). There is nothing wrong with asking for help.
If you are a caregiver, remember to take care of yourself first so that you can better care for your loved one. It is imperative that caregivers learn about services in the community. There are services that provide care in the home, facilities that can care for a loved one, support groups for caregivers, and organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association. For information on services in Palm Beach County you can call 211 or the Elder Helpline: 1-866-684-5885.
It is important to understand your rights and benefits as you get older. You may be entitled to services under the Older Americans Act, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and or Food Stamps. If you are employed or looking for a job you are covered against job discrimination under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. (www.eeoc.gov/laws)
Finally, one of the most important things to learn as we get older is about advocacy and how to be an effective self-advocate. Legislation is being proposed on the federal, state, and county level that affects your everyday life. Keep track of these issues and contact your elected officials and express your opinion. Register to vote! Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself when it comes to the services you need, whether medical or retail.
Here are some useful phone numbers for local services:
Alzheimer’s Association 24-Hour Crisis Line 1-800-272.3900
 
Alzheimer’s Community Care 1-800-394-1771
Deaf Service Center 561-278-6444 (free phones for the hearing impaired
Lighthouse for the Blind 561-848-7200 
Talking Books Library 1-888-780-5151
Radio Reading Service 1-800-273-6677
National Family Caregiver Association 1-800-896-3650
Well Spouse Association 1-800-838-0879
Ruth Rales Jewish Family Services 561- 852-3333
Center for Group Counseling 561- 561-483-5300
 
 
Palm Tran Connection 1-877-870-9849
The Volen Center 561-395-8920

 

A Neighbor Needs Help

A Neighbor Needs Help 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

A Neighbor Needs Help
By Robert Goodman, MSW
 
Perhaps you know of someone who can no longer take care of him/herself and has no one to help. Or perhaps you know of someone who is getting inadequate help. The question you need to ask is, does this person pose a danger to him/herself (or others)?
 
We all want to live independently for as long as we can. The idea of going into a nursing home is a horrible thought. Even assisted living is not considered a viable option by many. Families don’t want to institutionalize their loved ones. An aide 24/7 may not always be the best answer. So what do we do?
 
First, we are our neighbor’s keeper. If you suspect a neighbor is having difficulty taking care of him/herself you may want to voice your concern to a friend or member of the family. If no one is taking responsibility and that person is in need of help you can call a local social service agency or call the state abuse hotline (1.800.96.ABUSE). You can call anonymously.
 
Here are some indicators that there may be a need for intervention:
1. APARTMENT:

  • Garbage piling up in the apartment.
  • Hazardous living conditions due to lack of repairs, utilities and/or equipment
  • Human excrement on floors and furniture
  • Evidence of obvious fire hazards, such as piles of boxes, newspapers, old clothes, blocked exits

2. FOOD AND CLOTHING:

  • Little or no food in the house
  • Food is spoiled or lying around
  • Insufficient/inappropriate clothing for the weather

 
When calling the Florida Abuse Hotline to report personal neglect (or abuse or exploitation),be prepared to provide the following information:

  1. Person’s name, address or location, approximate age, race and sex;
  2. Physical, mental or behavioral indications that the person is infirm or disabled;
  3. Signs or indication of harm or injury or potential harm or injury (physical description or behavioral changes);
  4. Relationship of the person responsible for the senior’s care, if known. If the relationship is unknown, a report will still be taken if other reporting criteria are met.

 
The Department of Children and Families will conduct an investigation of all reports received that alleges self-neglect by a vulnerable adult. The purpose of the investigation is to determine if there is evidence that a person is a danger to him/herself, and if assistance is necessary to protect the individual’s health and safety.
 
A protective investigator from the department will make face-to-face contact with the vulnerable adult within 24 hours of receiving an abuse, neglect or exploitation report. The protective investigator will interview all persons who may have knowledge of the victim’s situation, evaluate the information obtained, and make a decision as to whether the reported allegations did or did not occur. The investigator then refers the case to an agency for follow up so the victim can get the services s/he needs to be safe. This may include placement in a more suitable living environment.
 
Remember to report abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1.800.96.ABUSE. Help your neighbors who cannot help themselves.
 
We Care has a telephone reassurance and friendly visitor program for those who are homebound. To volunteer or to refer someone call 487.2827.
 

Aging in Place

Aging in Place 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW
 
As we grow older (not me!) our first choice is to remain in our homes for the rest of our lives. How many of us develop a plan to “age in place”? Just like you plan for college or retirement, we must also plan for the years beyond retirement. Aging in place refers to a person’s desire to remain in their own home and receive services, if needed, in their home or community. To successfully age in place one has to plan for the physical and mental changes that may occur as we age. This may include modifying your living space.
Several professionals can help you plan for your future. These include elder law attorneys, financial planners, health care providers, home accessibility consultants, for profit health related companies, and non-profit organizations.
An elder law attorney handles general estate planning issues and counsels clients about planning for their incapacity. The attorney would also assist the client in planning for possible long-term care needs, including nursing home care. An elder law attorney can help you locate the appropriate type of care, coordinate private and public resources to finance the cost of care, and work to ensure the client’s right to quality care. There are many elder law attorneys in our area. Ask any attorney if he/she is certified in this field. To locate an elder law attorney contact the Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys at www.afela.org or 850-656-3038.
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is someone who is specially trained in personal finance.  To become licensed Certified Financial Planners must have demonstrated competency in seven important subjects: the General Principles of Financial Planning, Risk Management and Insurance Planning, Employee Benefits Planning, Investment Planning, Income Tax Planning, Retirement Planning, and Estate Planning.  These are the areas one would need to consider when planning for long-term care expenses either immediately or in the future.  CFP’s have been subjected to a background check and must also have demonstrated experience before becoming licensed. Select a certified financial planner who specializes in Medicaid, VA benefits, and elder care planning. Be sure to ask any prospective planner if this is their area of expertise. To locate a certified financial planner contact the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards at www.cfp.net or call 800-487-1497.
Writing a living will and choosing a health care surrogate are important steps to take while one is healthy. A living will lets your doctor know what steps should be taken or not taken in the event that you cannot communicate your needs. A health care surrogate is a person you appoint to make decisions regarding your health care in case you are unable to. These forms are available at most hospitals or by going online to Aging with Dignity at www.fivewishes.org or calling 1-888-594-7437.
Safety is a major concern in the home as we age. Good lighting, use color contrast, eliminating throw rugs, and installing grab bars are all things that help make the home safer. There are home accessibility specialists that can help you determine what is needed in your home to make it safe and easier to use should you become disabled. Contact the Center for Independent Living Options for a referral at 561-966-4288.
As part of the planning process you may want to select a home care provider now who can provide you needed services in the future. You may also want to look at housing alternatives, such as an assisted living facility or nursing home if the need arises. www.floridahealthfinder.gov is a great website aid in locating all kinds of health care facilities.
 
 

Medicare and Home Health

Medicare and Home Health 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

By Robert Goodman
Home Health Care and Medicare

Medicare covers home health care services for someone meeting these conditions:

  1. Your doctor must decide that you need medical care at home, and make a plan for your care at home.
  2. You must need intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech-language therapy, or to continue occupational therapy. 
  3. The home health agency caring for you must be approved by the Medicare
  4. You must be homebound, or normally unable to leave home without help.

If you meet all four of the conditions above, Medicare will cover the following types of home health care:

  • Skilled nursing care
  • Home health aide services
  • Physical therapy, speech-language therapy, and occupational therapy
  • Medical social services
  • Certain medical supplies
  • Durable medical equipment
  • Medicare does not cover homemaker services like shopping, cleaning, and laundry; and
  • Personal care given by home health aides like bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom when this is the only care you need.

There are several types of home care providers. Only Medicare approved home health care agencies are covered by Medicare. Private pay services include nurse registries and companion services. There are some private pay home health agencies that provide the services listed above.

Companion/Homemaker: Services include companionship, errands, escorts, meal preparation, and homemaking.
Home Health Agency: Recruits, screens, and hires their staff as employees. Services include home health care, skilled nursing, physical/occupational/speech therapy, companions, homemakers. May provide 24-hour live-in aides.
Nurse Registry: Recruits, screens, and refers aides, who are independent contractors, to clients. Services include nurses, respite care, home health aides, companions, homemakers, and 24 hour live-in aides.
 
There are many different types of personnel who may be handling your care. Besides therapists and social workers there are different types of home care workers who may come into your home.
Companion/Homemaker May do the following: Prepares/serves meals, does housekeeping, and accompany client on errands/trips. The Companion/Homemaker must have some training in topics related to human development and interpersonal relationships, nutrition, marketing, food storage, use of equipment and supplies, planning and organizing of household tasks, and principles of cleanliness and safety.
 
Home Health Aide (HHA) In addition to the services provided by a Companion/Homemaker, a HHA may provide “hands on” personal care, which includes assistance in the activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming, dressing, personal hygiene, eating, and assistance in physical transfer and ambulation. Some HHA’s can be trained to supervise medication. Most HHA’s have a high school diploma, although it is not required. To work for a Medicare or Medicaid home health agency, a HHA must complete 75+ hours of training or successfully complete a competency evaluation given by the home health agency.
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) provides the same types of services as the Home Health Aide, but the CNA is certified by the state, a high school or G.E.D is required, and typically receives a higher rate of pay. The programs are 6-12 weeks in length and include “hands-on” care giving experience.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides services such as monitoring vital signs, preparing and giving injections, enemas, help in evaluation of the needs of the client, and supervising nursing assistants and aides. LPN’s can also be involved in teaching and training family members in simple nursing tasks. LPN’s must go through a State-approved Nursing Program.  
Registered Nurse (RN) works to promote health, prevent illness, educate patients and families, and develop/manage nursing care plans. RN’s are educated in the science and theory behind the care they are administering and supervising. The RN assessment involves a more holistic approach to evaluating the patient, making sure both their physical and psychology needs are being addressed.
For more information log onto www.medicare.com/hhcompare
 

###

The Savvy Senior Driving Alternatives

The Savvy Senior Driving Alternatives 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

By Robert Goodman, MSW
 
As our population ages, so does the number of older drivers. Some drivers outlive the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Cognitive and sensory losses are gradual and often the driver is unaware of the changes.
 
One of the hardest things in life to do is to give up driving. Giving up driving affects one’s independence and self-esteem.
 
According to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, the leading cause of injury-related deaths in 65-74 year olds are crash injuries. The second leading cause of injury related deaths (after falls) in 75-85 year olds are crash injuries. We read countless numbers of stories in the paper about older drivers who confuse the gas and brake pedals and crash into buildings or other people.
 
Poor vision, hearing, memory, and reaction time negatively affect one’s ability to drive. The most radical increase of at-risk crashes comes with medical conditions which impact cognitive skills. Co-piloting does not help.
 
When driving affects one’s own safety and the safety of others, it is time to stop driving. Indicators that it might be time to stop driving include confusing the brake and gas pedals, getting lost, near misses or multiple accidents, stopping in traffic for no reason, confusion at exits, parking inappropriately, hitting curbs, driving at inappropriate speeds, delayed responses to unexpected situations,  not anticipating dangerous situations, or forgetting how to start the car or where things are on the car dashboard.
 
One of the main fears of someone faced with giving up driving is loss of independence. Prepare now for the time when it may be necessary to give up driving. List your regular transportation needs and the modes of transportation available in our community. Compare your transportation needs with your transportation alternatives and the cost of driving and maintaining your car with the cost of alternative transportation.
 
There are programs in our community that can help one evaluate his/her ability to drive safely. Florida Atlantic University Memory Wellness Center has a driver safety evaluation program. For information call 561.297-0502. Pinecrest Rehabilitation Hospital has a similar program. For information call 561.495-3634. AARP sponsors a driver safety program. For locations in this area call 888-2277669 or log onto www.aarp.org/drive. Florida offers a non-drivers ID card to place the driver’s license as a photo ID. This is available at local Driver’s License bureaus.
 
Living in Century Village gives us many alternatives to driving. We have just acquired new wheelchair (and walker) accessible buses that take residents to local shopping centers, supermarkets, as well as the library. Schedules are available at the Clubhouse information desk.
 
The County’s Palm Tran bus #91 travels eastbound to Town Center Mall, Boca Community Hospital, Mizner Park, and other destinations every half hour. The westbound bus travels to Publix, West Boca Hospital, and Sandalfoot Square every hour. The 91 bus connects with other routes that go to the VA hospital and other destinations in Palm Beach County. On Mondays “The Link” travels to locations on 441, Jog Road, and  Kings Point. For bus route information contact Palm Tran at 877.930-4287.
 
Palm Tran Connection is a door-to-door service that transports people who cannot use public transportation to any location in Palm Beach County between Jupiter and Boca Raton. For an application contact Palm Tran Connection at 877.870-9849.
 
When driving safety becomes an issue, make a confidential report to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Florida law requires any physician, person or agency who knows of any licensed driver’s or applicant’s mental or physical disability that prevents him/her from driving safely should report this to the Florida Division of Driver’s Licenses at 850.617-3814 or fill out Form #72190 which can be found at www.flhsmv.gov/forms/72190.html. The report should be made in writing giving the full name, date of birth, address and a description of the alleged physical or mental disability of any person over 15 years of age that could affect the driving ability.  No civil action can be brought against any person who provides this information.
 
As a service to Century Village residents who give up driving, I am willing to familiarize them with local bus services. For information contact Robert Goodman at We Care at 487-2827.
 

Coping with the Holidays

Coping with the Holidays 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

By Robert Goodman, MSW
 
 
The holidays are supposed to be a time for family gathering, happiness, joyous celebrations, and hope. Unfortunately, for many it is a time of loneliness and sadness. The stress of the holidays can cause anxiety and depression.
Here are some suggestions by psychologists and social workers on how to cope with the holidays:

  1. Understand how the holidays affect you. What do they mean to you?
  2. If your holiday blues are a result of the stress from all the extra demands of the holidays, do some things to reduce the demands. Rethink how you view and approach the holidays.
  3. If your holiday blues are stemming from past losses, take advantage of the holidays to help you complete your mourning and lessen your grieving over the loss.
  4. Organize and plan your activities during this period. Stay busy and avoid unstructured time. Spend time in the clubhouse, participating in the many activities that are available. Exercise. Get involved in synagogue or church activities.
  5. Think of the blessings in your life: friends, children, grandchildren, etc.
  1. Don’t isolate yourself. If you can’t be with family, invite some close friends over to share the holidays.
  1. Volunteer your time.
  2. Try to avoid alcohol.
  3. Watch your finances. Overspending will cause worry over bills after the holidays are over.
  4. Don’t deny or try to hide your feelings of sadness. Seek professional help.
  5. Take time to reflect on past friendships and pleasant memories.