It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic The Birmingham Museum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Birmingham, MI is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I have found that usually when you need the services of a company like Nita”
“I have found that usually when you need the services of a company like Nita and Always Best Care Senior Services of Troy it concerns the changing life needs of a love one. The needs vary from short-term care, to 24 hr. assistance to finding new living quarters with appropriate services to support your loved one. You are searching for options in an area foreign to you and you need someone you can trust. During the past two years, my family and I have had the opportunity and good fortune to turn to Nita and Always Best Care in two such instances. It took but a few minutes to understand the passion Nita has for her clients, as she quickly became an extension of our family’s decision process. You can never put a value on good solid information, especially when given from a listening, caring, honest, trusted and empathic professional in a time of need. When you come to those trying times and the stakes and fears of making the wrong decision for the welfare of your loved one have you stressed, you could not be in better hands than Nita and Always Best Care. That is exactly what my family and I did and today, my parents are still enjoying their renewed life style at an Independent Living Facility. They could not be happier in their new home and the family is secure in knowing we made an informed and ultimately the right decision due to Nita’s guidance. Recently in the course of less than 3 days we required 24 hr. services for my 93 yr. old Mother-in Law. Today she is receiving the best of care and Nita was supportive and instrumental in directing us towards making the right decision for her. The value Nita and Always Best Care offers to families is having a Trusted, Informed, Dedicated Professional, passionate in assisting you and your family to the Best and Correct Decision for your unique situation. Thank you Nita for being there when we needed you most. ~Family of John S.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Red Mountain Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar or visit Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Birmingham, MI, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Birmingham, MI understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Birmingham, MI 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Business & TechOrganization hosting panel discussion in Birmingham Feb. 26 Walker Publicity, Community Contributor(Birmingham-MI) Detroit Philanthropy will host its first philanthropic expert panel of the y...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Walker Publicity, Community Contributor
(Birmingham-MI) Detroit Philanthropy will host its first philanthropic expert panel of the year Feb. 26, at The Community House in Birmingham.
This month's informative panel is a unique opportunity for community and nonprofit leaders to hear directly from Metro-Detroit funding decision-makers.
The discussion will dive into the evolving landscape of philanthropy and how family foundations continue to shape it. The event will highlight how family foundations continue to impact philanthropy, the priorities they focus on, and how they honor their founders' legacies.
Notable Speakers
A distinguished panel will feature:
Event Details
For more information on Detroit Philanthropy and their upcoming events, please visit DetroitPhilanthropy.com.
About Detroit Philanthropy:
Detroit Philanthropy, a non-profit licensed professional fundraiser in the State of Michigan, is dedicated to fostering and strengthening the philanthropic community in Metro Detroit by offering strategic fundraising counsel and execution. The organization has raised millions of dollars for a variety of organizations and is experts at developing and implementing highly-effective and tailored fundraising campaigns.
Founder and President Rachel Decker has spent nearly 20 years in the nonprofit sector as a fundraising executive. She knows that the need for philanthropy is greater than ever. She also realizes how deeply personal it is to give of your valuable time and treasure.
By offering personalized philanthropic counsel and advisory services to metro Detroit philanthropists, Detroit Philanthropy ensures their charitable vision is fully realized, resources are maximized, and meaningful impact is generated. Detroit Philanthropy is also a licensed professional fundraiser in the State of Michigan that offers strategic fundraising counsel and execution. Through educational events, networking opportunities, and collaborative initiatives, Detroit Philanthropy connects donors, nonprofits, and community leaders to inspire and drive positive change.
This week, we’ve got free winter festivities, warm indoor art experiences and unique concerts from Bach to rock.Plus, where to catch the planetary alignment this weekend. Read on to learn more.Winter carnivalsSaturday, Jan. 25 is Downtown Birmingham’s BRRmingham Blast, featuring free entertainment, food trucks and activities for all ages. Attractions include a 300-foot zip line, magic shows, storytelling, marshmallow roasting and more. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the hea...
This week, we’ve got free winter festivities, warm indoor art experiences and unique concerts from Bach to rock.
Plus, where to catch the planetary alignment this weekend. Read on to learn more.
Saturday, Jan. 25 is Downtown Birmingham’s BRRmingham Blast, featuring free entertainment, food trucks and activities for all ages. Attractions include a 300-foot zip line, magic shows, storytelling, marshmallow roasting and more. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the heart of Downtown Birmingham, along South Old Woodward Avenue from Maple Road to Brown Street. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, visit allinbirmingham.com.
Sunday, Jan. 26 is the City of Oak Park’s Winterfest 2025, featuring family-friendly activities like carriage rides, ice carving, ice skating, hot snacks and more. Festivities go from 1-4 p.m. and admission, parking and all activities are free. For more information, visit their Facebook event.
Now through March 5, head to The J in West Bloomfield to check out “Pushing Boundaries,” a new exhibit on display in the Janice Charach Gallery. It features seven highly-regarded Michigan artists who were challenged to push the boundaries of their art practice and the very space they take up by creating seven distinct installations within the space of the gallery, including a dramatic display of giant multimedia squares suspended from the gallery’s skylight. Gallery hours are Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and all exhibits are free and open to the public. For more information, visit thejdetroit.org.
The newest art exhibit at Farmington Hills City Hall features hyper-realistic drawings from metro-Detroiter Karri Bloemer. “Drawings of Birds in Southeast Michigan and Beyond” is on display now through March 14, and there will be an artist talk and opening reception at City Hall on Friday, Jan. 24, from 6-8 p.m. Visitors can also view the exhibit during City Hall’s regular hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit fhgov.com.
If you’re interested in something more hands-on, visit the DIA’s Art-Making Studio on Friday, Jan. 24 for “Cultural Convergence: Arabic Calligraphy in the Chinese Style.” Participants will join master calligrapher Haji Noor Deen Mi Guangjiang ??? for a lecture, demonstration and mini-workshop exploring the artistic convergence of Arabic and Chinese calligraphic traditions. This event is free with general admission to the museum and goes from 6-8:30 p.m. Participants can join at any time, but capacity is limited. For more information, visit dia.org.
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is launching its 2025 William Davidson Neighborhood Concert Series this week with “Bach’s Coffeehouse,” a program paying homage to Johann Sebastian Bach’s time performing at Zimmermann’s Coffeehouse in Leipzig. Guest conductor Jeannette Sorrell takes on the role of Bach’s lively coffeehouse orchestra, the Leipzig Collegium Musicum, for a series of performances starting Thursday, Jan. 23 and going through Sunday, Jan. 26. Performances will be held in Southfield, Plymouth, Grosse Pointe and Beverly Hills, and tickets start at $32. For more information, visit dso.org.
Detroit-based indie-rock group Bandeau is having a record release party at Outer Limits Lounge in Hamtramck on Saturday, Jan. 25. They’ll be playing songs from their new album, Spirit Fingers, with special guests Troy Gregory and the Mercury Gauntlett, Timothy Monger and Carol Catherine, Jim Cherewick, and members of the Detroit Party Marching Band. Limited-edition vinyl will be available for sale. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and admission is $15. For more information, visit Outer Limits Lounge on Facebook.
The Hawk Theatre in Farmington Hills is celebrating the Lunar New Year on Saturday, Jan. 25 with an evening of activities and music for community members of all ages. This year, the festival marks the transition from the Year of the Dragon (2024) to the Year of the Snake (2025). Starting at 6 p.m., there will be a family-friendly cultural celebration with crafts and activities, followed by a concert featuring modern and traditional Chinese music at 7 p.m. Tickets include both the cultural celebration and the concert, and are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. For more information, visit thehawktheatre.com.
On Saturday, Jan. 25, the Cranbrook Institute of Science is hosting a Planetary Alignment Party in celebration of a rare celestial phenomenon set to occur that night. Cranbrook astronomers and members of the Warren Astronomical Society will guide guests through the experience of seeing Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Neptune and Uranus together in the night sky using the Cranbrook Observatory and the Acheson Planetarium. The viewing party goes from 6-10 p.m. and pre-registration is highly recommended. Tickets are $14 for adults, $10.50 for children and seniors, and free for children under 2 years old. For more information, visit science.cranbrook.edu.
WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
Get a head start on the most romantic time of year by taking your special someone to see Crossing Delancey by Susan Sandler, a delightful and humorous love story playing January 17-February 2, 2025 at Birmingham Village Players (BVP).This charming romantic comedy takes place primarily in New York’s Lower East Side where tradition clashes with modernity, and love blossoms in the most unexpected places. You are invited on a heartwarming journey through the streets of Manhattan as Izzy, a young woman torn between her roots...
Get a head start on the most romantic time of year by taking your special someone to see Crossing Delancey by Susan Sandler, a delightful and humorous love story playing January 17-February 2, 2025 at Birmingham Village Players (BVP).
This charming romantic comedy takes place primarily in New York’s Lower East Side where tradition clashes with modernity, and love blossoms in the most unexpected places. You are invited on a heartwarming journey through the streets of Manhattan as Izzy, a young woman torn between her roots and her aspirations, navigates the complexities of family, romance, and self-discovery. With humor, wit, and a touch of nostalgia, this sweet show will capture your heart and leave you smiling long after the final curtain falls.
The cast includes Kelley Rawls (Beverly Hills) as Isabelle Grossman, Joe Danz (Rochester) as Sam Posner, Sandra Deering (Clarkston) as Bubbie Kantor, Greg Ruvolo (Lathrop Village) as Tyler Moss, and Pam Martin (Birmingham) as Hannah Mandelbaum. Steve Sussman (Bloomfield Township) directed the show and created the set design. He was aided by Assistant Director Diane D’Agostino (Royal Oak), Producer Diana McClain (Rochester), and Assistant Producer Felicia Felton (Bloomfield Township).
Crossing Delancey runs January 17 to February 2, 2025, at Birmingham Village Players. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8PM. Sunday matinees start at 2PM. “Crossing Delancey” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Individual reserved tickets are $30 (includes ticketing fee). Flex packages are also available. For $250 you will receive 10 tickets redeemable for any combination of shows. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office, 248-644-2075, or by placing an order on the website, www.birminghamvillageplayers.com.
Photo Caption: Joe Danz, Kelley Rawls, and Greg Ruvelo star in the Birmingham Village Players production of Crossing Delancey opening January 17, 2025. Photo credit: Joseph Lease Photography
About The Village Players:
The Village Players of Birmingham, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit community theater, presents high quality dramatic, comedic, and musical productions. Everyone is invited to participate on stage, backstage or as an audience member in the theater's main stage, youth theater, and Playwrights @ Work productions and programs. The Village Players have been entertaining the community from its location at 34660 Woodward Avenue in Birmingham since 1926.
Ages: teen to adult
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Health & FitnessBy Dr. Abigail Miller, Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare of MichiganWIMCI, Community ContributorFor a lot of people, mid-to-late winter ranks among the most challenging times of the yea...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
WIMCI, Community Contributor
For a lot of people, mid-to-late winter ranks among the most challenging times of the year. The days are short, the weather is often cold, and holiday hoopla is well behind us.
In fact, a recent study found 40% of Americans report their mood declines during the winter. Those gloomy feelings can translate into changes in behavior, according to the study, with some people sleeping more (41%), feeling fatigued (28%) and experiencing depression (27%).
While there is no single solution to beat back the wintertime blues, it may be helpful to consider multiple strategies to boost your mood during this time of year.
Embrace the light. One contributing factor to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – the technical name of the wintertime blues – is a lack of sunlight, which is a crucial source of vitamin D and helps regulate our wake/sleep cycles. In addition to feeling down, people experiencing SAD may report problems with concentration and memory. To help avoid that, aim to get at least 30 minutes of sunshine early in the day; on cloudy days, strive for up to 60 minutes. You can supplement the sun’s rays with bright light therapy, which is a specialized in-home light source that may improve symptoms of SAD in up to 60% of people.
Recommit to those resolutions. With the New Year a memory now, those well-intentioned resolutions may have been forgotten about, sparking feelings of guilt. An estimated 80% of people who make New Year’s Resolutions abandon the effort within a month. To help stay on track with your 2025 goals, focus on the process rather than the outcome. For instance, if your goal is to shed unwanted or unhealthy excess weight, aim to walk at least 6,000 steps per day and strength train twice per week. By focusing on the process necessary to achieve your goals – rather than the outcomes themselves – you may be more likely to realize your resolution.
Build a supportive network. One of the most crucial aspects of well-being – and longevity – is having social connections, as research consistently shows people with strong ties to friends and family tend to live longer, healthier lives. Surrounding yourself with understanding friends, family, and mentors can provide essential emotional support, while helping prevent feelings of isolation and promoting resilience. Make it a priority to consistently connect with friends, family and neighbors, while also forming new relationships by playing in a recreational sports league, attending group workout classes or joining a book club.
Reach out for professional support. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your primary care physician (PCP). If you don’t have a PCP, now is a great time to establish a relationship with one. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your PCP can provide valuable insights and care, and referrals if needed. The right support can guide you toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Tap into telehealth. You might be surprised to learn that your health insurance plan includes mental health benefits which may cover employee assistance programs, virtual therapy sessions, coaching or digital self-help tools. These options make it easy to access the support you need in different ways. If you have mild behavioral health concerns, digital self-help tools and virtual coaching can be a great place to begin. If you have any questions or need more details, simply call the number on your insurance card for assistance.
If you or a loved one is experiencing depression or having thoughts of suicide, or if you’re in severe emotional distress, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. The hotline provides free, confidential support, and is available 24/7.
248-525-3466
