Life can change in a moment’s time. For Austin, that moment led to a life-changing accident. Only being in his 30s, Austin had a tree fall on him after it fell the wrong way while cutting it down. Against all odds, Austin survived, but this accident left him with multiple serious injuries and a long hospital stay. After several surgeries, Austin was stable enough to begin rehabilitation. Austin’s condition was severe when he arrived at Rose Lane. He was unable to walk, reposition, or complete simple movements on his own. Reflecting on the early days of recovery, Austin shared “I wasn’t able to walk at all, move. I couldn’t turn over, nothing.” Being a younger adult, Austin had a pretty hard time with this condition.
From the Ground Up
When Austin first started, he required total assistance for mobility and relied on specialized equipment just to be able to safely transfer. He needed full support from his care team to transfer into his wheelchair. Austin’s goal was very clear from the moment he arrived: he wanted to walk again and return home. He shared that there were moments when he was convinced; he may never be able to leave. His determination to walk was his driving force to keep pushing him through even his toughest moments.
The Team Makes a Difference
Leaning on the support team helped Austin throughout his recovery substantially. He shared that his therapy team was always there to help, encourage, and talk to him. They supported not only him, but also his family. “There was a lot of help. They did everything. Absolutely love them,” Austin shared. The constant encouragement from the team is what helped push him through the most difficult parts of therapy. It was especially helpful as he was learning to stand again, which Austin described as his biggest challenge.
Steady Steps
Regaining strength and control happened slowly for Austin. Slowly, he transitioned to being able to move around on his own from total dependence. He started with a mechanical lift, then worked to being transferred with assistance. Eventually he progressed to parallel bars and then to taking steps. To this day Austin still remembers the mindset he had when he first stood on his own: he was going to see how much further he could go. He was able to advance from being wheelchair bound to walking with support. Using assistive devices allowed him to set new goals for himself. Overtime he was able to manage everyday tasks on his own, and even navigating the stairs became easier.
Looking to the Future
Motivation came from the thought of life beyond rehabilitation. Austin saw his physical progress as a sign of regaining independence. Regaining independence meant getting back to the moments that mattered most. He shared that he looks forward to spending time with his family, being active, and one day walking without assistance. That vision is what is still pushing Austin forward today.
Knowing how others may feel in recovery and how overwhelming it can be, he shared a message that is rooted in persistence:
You can’t give up. Keep trying, even when it’s hard. If you fall, get back up and keep going.
To protect privacy, patient details have been limited in accordance with HIPAA guidelines. This is written with patient permission.
David’s Journey to IndependenceDavid came to Sprenger Health Care Heather Knoll after experiencing cardiac complications after a surgical procedure to remove cancer. His difficulty with swallowing resulted in participation in several swallow studies. Ultimately, David needed a feeding tube after the studies were unsuccessful to ensure he was getting proper nutrition. Once medically stable, he was admitted to Heather Knoll for skilled rehabilitation with the goal of regaining strength, eating on his own again, and returning to his assisted living community.
The Starting Line
When David first arrived at Heather Knoll, he required a lot of support with every aspect of his daily life. He could not get in or out of bed on his own and was unable to walk at this time. Daily tasks that required hands on help included dressing and brushing his teeth. Eating and drinking by mouth was not safe for David at this time. When he reflected on his time at Heather Knoll, he shared that the most difficult part of his recovery was how long it seemed to take. Having a hard time with how long you’re away from home is a common hardship for anyone.
Continuing the Journey
After his skilled stay ended, David continued to go to therapy to continue to build on his progress. Eventually, he gained enough strength and had enough swallowing ability to upgrade to a safe, modified diet. This was a huge milestone for David in his recovery journey. David was able to return to his assisted living community. When he returned, he was completing daily tasks with minimal assistance.
The Motivation
David’s proudest accomplishment through rehab was being able to return to his own room in the assisted living community. His progress and his surroundings kept him going. When David was asked about what advice he would give to others going through a similar situation, he simply stated to follow the instructions that the care team gives you.
Stories like David’s remind us that recovery takes time, patience, and consistent effort. Progress is possible with the right support system, such as your therapy team, and determination. David’s story is a great example of the impact of compassionate care, skilled therapy, and resilience.
To protect privacy, patient details have been limited in accordance with HIPAA guidelines. This is written with patient permission.
Investing in the Future: How Rose Lane Helps Therapy Students and New Graduates Build Successful CareersAt Rose Lane Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, mentorship is more than part of the job. It is part of the culture. Over the past three years, under the leadership and guidance of Occupational Therapist and Director of Rehabilitation Erin Dixon, the therapy department has mentored 25 therapy students, helping future healthcare professionals gain real-world clinical experience while building confidence in their skills.
For students pursuing careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, hands-on learning opportunities are essential. Rose Lane’s therapy team provides a supportive environment where students can strengthen clinical reasoning, develop communication skills, and learn how to adapt to the changing needs of patients in a skilled nursing and rehabilitation setting.
Why Clinical Mentorship Matters in Rehabilitation Therapy
Clinical mentorship plays a major role in preparing therapy students and new graduates for long-term success in healthcare. At Rose Lane, experienced therapists work closely with students to guide them through patient care, treatment planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Olivia Howell, PTA, says mentoring students helps therapists continue learning as well. Student questions often encourage deeper conversations and spark creative treatment ideas that benefit both therapists and patients.
Stephanie Crescenze, COTA, shared that mentoring keeps clinicians engaged and reflective in their practice. She explained that students bring fresh perspectives and updated academic knowledge that help therapists stay connected to evolving best practices in rehabilitation care.
A Strong Learning Environment for Therapy Students
Rose Lane provides students with exposure to a wide variety of diagnoses, patient populations, and clinical challenges. This diverse clinical experience helps prepare future therapists for careers in skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term care.
Because the Skilled Nursing Facility therapy environment is constantly changing, students learn how to become flexible and adaptable clinicians while understanding the importance of individualized patient care.
The therapy department also emphasizes open communication and teamwork. Students are encouraged to ask questions, collaborate with staff, and actively participate in the learning process without fear of judgment.
According to the therapy team, creating a welcoming learning environment helps students grow more confident and comfortable in their clinical decision-making.
How Therapy Students Benefit the Clinical Team
Mentorship is not only valuable for students. It also strengthens the therapy department itself.
Teaching students encourages therapists to explain their clinical reasoning more intentionally and break down complex treatment approaches into practical, understandable steps. This process helps therapists sharpen their own skills while fostering creativity and innovation in patient care.
Students also introduce current classroom education, evidence-based practices, and new treatment techniques that contribute to the department’s continued professional growth.
This collaborative exchange of knowledge helps Rose Lane maintain a culture of continuous learning within its rehabilitation program.
Supporting New Therapy Graduates as They Enter the Workforce
Transitioning from the classroom to full-time clinical practice can feel overwhelming for many new therapy graduates. At Rose Lane, mentorship continues beyond student placements to help new clinicians gain confidence as healthcare professionals.
Olivia shared that her experience at Rose Lane helped her grow as a therapist and become more confident in her abilities. She credits the supportive team environment for encouraging professional development and lifelong learning.
The rehabilitation department also emphasizes cross-disciplinary teamwork, helping new therapists understand how physical therapy, occupational therapy, and rehabilitation services work together to improve patient outcomes.
Building a Culture of Mentorship in Healthcare
After more than a decade at Rose Lane, Stephanie believes mentorship is one of the biggest reasons the therapy department continues to succeed. She described the team as one built on mutual respect, collaboration, and professional support.
Her advice for new graduates entering healthcare is to find mentors who encourage growth and create a positive work environment. Strong professional relationships, she says, can make a significant difference early in a therapist’s career.
With assistance, leadership, and guidance from Erin Diaczun, Director of Rehabilitation at Anchor Lodge Retirement Village and Student Placement Coordinator for therapy students across Sprenger Health Care, our organization continues creating meaningful opportunities for therapy students and new graduates.
By prioritizing mentorship, collaboration, and professional development, Rose Lane is helping shape the future of rehabilitation therapy while investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Sheila Moore Wins National AwardFor more than 25 years, Sheila Moore has been a steady and compassionate presence at Anchor Lodge Retirement Community. Quietly making a difference in the lives of residents, families, and coworkers every single day. What began as a simple nomination from her leadership team in the summer of 2025 soon became a reminder that the most meaningful caregivers are often the ones who serve with consistency, humility, and heart.
Recognition Across Ohio
After being nominated for recognition through the Ohio Health Care Association, Sheila was selected as one of only eight caregivers across the state to receive an Excellence in Caregiving Award from hundreds of nominations. Her impact was impossible to overlook. Coworkers described her as dependable, uplifting, and deeply committed to making residents feel valued and comfortable. Whether mentoring new staff members, supporting families during difficult moments, or finding small ways to brighten a resident’s day, Sheila’s approach to caregiving has always gone beyond the expected.
From Statewide Honor to National Recognition
That state recognition opened the door for an even larger opportunity when Sheila was submitted for consideration through the Ceca Foundation, a national organization dedicated to honoring extraordinary caregivers. Months later, she was named a national finalist among thousands of nominations from across the country. In the end, Sheila was selected as one of only six winners nationwide. It’s an incredible achievement that reflects the lasting impact she has had throughout her career.
A Moment Worth Celebrating
When the winners were announced in early 2026, the moment was unforgettable. Sitting together watching the live announcement, excitement quickly turned into celebration as Sheila learned she had officially been named a national Ceca Award recipient. Along with the honor, Sheila received a $2,500 award. Shortly after, Sprenger Health Care Chief Operating Officer Emily Fox shared that the organization would proudly match the award in recognition of her dedication and service giving Sheila a total of $5,000.
More Than an Award
While awards and recognition are meaningful, those closest to Sheila know her greatest accomplishment cannot be placed on a plaque. It is found in the trust she has built over decades. The comfort she brings to residents, and the example she sets for those around her every day. Her story is a reminder that exceptional caregiving is not defined by a single moment, but by years of showing up with compassion, kindness, and dedication. That impact was celebrated at Anchor Lodge during a special gathering surrounded by fellow employees, family members, and supporters who came together to honor her achievement. Nate Hamme from Ceca was in attendance to personally present Sheila with her award, making the moment even more meaningful. Guests enjoyed food and drinks as they celebrated Sheila’s achievement.
Heather Knoll Named One of America’s Best Nursing HomesAt Sprenger Health Care Systems, our mission has always been to provide care that feels like family. That’s why we’re so proud to share some exciting news: Heather Knoll Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Tallmadge, Ohio has been ranked 11th in the state on Newsweek’s 2026 list of America’s Best Nursing Homes.
About the America’s Best Nursing Homes List
Each year, Newsweek highlights the nursing homes that rise above the rest. The 2026 edition features the top 1,200 facilities across the country and evaluates them using four main criteria:
- Quality of care
- Recommendations from medical professionals
- Accreditations
- Feedback from residents and families
This year, the process placed greater weight on clinical results, reflecting the industry’s growing focus on measurable outcomes. In addition, Newsweek introduced vaccination rates as a new quality measure. The rankings also expanded to include 33 states across three size categories, giving more families reliable options when searching for a safe and trusted nursing home.
A Remarkable Accomplishment
With more than 15,000 nursing homes nationwide, standing out in the top group is a remarkable accomplishment. This recognition speaks directly to the dedication and compassion of the Heather Knoll team. Every day, our staff members go above and beyond—not only delivering excellent clinical care, but also ensuring residents feel comfort, dignity, and belonging.
From medical treatments to therapy services, and even in the simple act of offering a reassuring smile, our warm and inviting team supports residents and their families through every step of their wellness journey. At Heather Knoll, we don’t just care for residents—we welcome them as family.
Sprenger’s Legacy of Care
Since our founding in 1959, Sprenger Health Care Systems has grown into a trusted leader in senior care, Since 1959, Sprenger Health Care Systems has continued to grow as a trusted leader in senior care. Today, we proudly provide a full continuum of services, including:
- Skilled Nursing
- Assisted Living
- Independent Living
- Memory Care
- Hospice
- Respite Care
- Short-Term Rehabilitation
We also hold a VA contract, which allows us the honor of caring for the veterans who have bravely served our country.
This recognition reinforces what our residents and families already know: at Heather Knoll—and throughout every Sprenger community—excellence in care isn’t just a goal. It’s our promise.
Walking in Their Shoes: How Dementia Live™ Transforms Care Through EmpathyAt Sprenger Health Care Systems, we are constantly seeking ways to deepen our understanding of the aging process and enhance the care we provide to our residents. One groundbreaking initiative that is making a meaningful difference is Dementia Live™. Dementia Live™ an immersive program developed by the nationally recognized AGE-u-cate® Training Institute, headquartered in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
What Is Dementia Live™?
Dementia Live™ is more than just a training—it’s an experience. Created by a team of experts in dementia, sensitivity, awareness, and professional development, the program uses specialized gear to simulate what it’s like to live with dementia. Participants enter a safe, controlled environment and are temporarily placed in the shoes of someone living with the condition.
The result? A powerful, eye-opening journey that fosters a deeper understanding of the sensory, cognitive, and emotional challenges faced by those living with dementia—challenges they experience 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Why It Matters
Empathy is at the heart of quality care. By helping caregivers, staff, and even family members feel what dementia feels like, Dementia Live™ inspires more compassionate and responsive care. It bridges the gap between clinical knowledge and real-world understanding.
This innovative program is gaining traction nationwide and is being used by a wide range of individuals and institutions—including direct care providers, healthcare professionals, family caregivers, and college students studying gerontology or nursing.
A Call for Understanding
“We are at the crossroads of understanding aging and dementia. This understanding is not an option but a necessity for every member of our society,” says Pam Brandon, President and Founder of AGE-u-cate® Training Institute. “We must equip those who are caring for and serving our aging population to better understand their challenges, we are living in a fast-aging world.”
At Sprenger Health Care Systems, we couldn’t agree more. That’s why we’re proud to integrate tools like Dementia Live™ into our caregiver training efforts. The insights gained through this program help us provide not only better care—but care that honors the dignity, emotions, and humanity of those we serve.
Learn More
To learn more about Dementia Live™ and other innovative programs from the AGE-u-cate® Training Institute, visit www.AGEucate.com.
Vestibular RehabilitationVestibular issues are often caused by an imbalance between the left and right vestibular organs in the inner ear and tend to disrupt a person’s sense of balance and spatial orientation, causing frequent symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, and changes in balance and hearing. Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized approach to managing these symptoms, focusing on exercises that are designed to retrain the brain and enhance the vestibular system’s function. Those who participate in vestibular rehabilitation often see significant improvements in dizziness, blurred vision, balance, and have an increased confidence in daily activities, contributing to a higher quality of life.
What is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy?
Vestibular rehabilitation is a type of physical therapy that targets the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain responsible for processing sensory information related to balance and eye movements. When this system is compromised due to illness, injury, or aging, vestibular rehabilitation helps to retrain the brain and restore its normal function by addressing the root causes of dizziness and imbalance through targeted exercises.
The main goals of vestibular rehabilitation are to reduce dizziness, improve balance, and increase overall activity levels in individuals dealing with associated symptoms.
Vestibular rehabilitation is designed for individuals with a wide range of vestibular disorders, such as:
– Vertigo
– Ménière’s disease
– Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
– Labyrinthitis
– Vestibular neuritis
– Migraine headache
– Complications post stroke
– Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
– Frequent falls
Sprenger Health Care Rose Lane now offers vestibular rehabilitation. Call (330) 837-6270 for more information.
Life Enrichment in Senior Living CommunitiesLife enrichment programs are designed to boost the physical, social, and cognitive engagement of older adults. Senior living communities have increasingly recognized that a meaningful life is about more than just medical attention — it also includes fostering the social, emotional, and intellectual well-being of the senior. Life enrichment programs play a vital role in this process, offering seniors increased independence, entertainment, and socialization while residing in a senior living community.
What Are Life Enrichment Programs?
Life enrichment programs in senior living communities offer structured activities designed to promote senior’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and are often tailored to the interests, abilities, and preferences of residents, ensuring that they are accessible for all participation. These programs include exercise classes, music and art activities, cooking lessons, gardening, social events, and much more.
Benefits of Life Enrichment Programs
- Supporting Cognitive Health
Keeping the mind engaged is crucial for seniors, particularly in delaying or reducing the effects of cognitive conditions, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Life enrichment programs often feature brain games, puzzles, and learning opportunities that encourage mental stimulation, like reading clubs, art classes, or learning new technology skills, helping seniors remain intellectually active.
- Keeping Seniors Active
Physical activities are a cornerstone of life enrichment programs, ensuring that residents stay active, maintain mobility, and improve their overall health. These activities can help improve circulation, muscle strength, and flexibility through light exercise classes, dance sessions, walking groups, or other active games and outings. These programs are designed to accommodate different levels of mobility, ensuring they are accessible for all seniors who would like to participate.
- Building Social Connections
Loneliness and isolation are significant concerns in senior living communities, potentially stemming from a change in lifestyle. Life enrichment programs provide structured opportunities for residents to connect with one another, fostering friendships, and building a sense of community through group activities, social events, and outings.
Life enrichment programs are essential for creating a vibrant lifestyle for seniors in senior living communities. By providing opportunities for physical, mental, and creative engagement, these programs ensure that residents continue to lead active and meaningful lives, while fostering better health, stronger social connections, and an overall greater sense of happiness. After all, the later years of life should be filled with joy, growth, and opportunities to thrive.
Find Sprenger Health Care’s monthly life enrichment activity calendars here.
200 Years of Service: How Sprenger Health Care’s Therapy Team Exceeds Two CenturiesIn November, Tyler Sponaugle, a Physical Therapist from Sprenger Health Care Rose Lane hosted two company-wide, free CEU programs specializing in vestibular rehabilitation, in which dozens of Sprenger’s therapists attended. Tyler began his therapy career with Sprenger Health Care over 10 years ago, and has recently obtained a specialization in vestibular rehabilitation, in which he aims to continue assisting the community and other therapists gain knowledge on the topic through outreach and CEUs. These CEUs were held at Towne Center in Avon Lake, Ohio, and Heather Knoll Nursing and Rehabilitation in Tallmadge, Ohio, to provide accessibility to the therapists commuting from the other surrounding Sprenger facilities.

Many of the therapists in attendance had worked within Sprenger Health Care Systems for a decade or more, which had the group thinking – how many years of combined experience have they all had while employed with Sprenger?
The answer spans more than 200 years of therapy experience within the South Sprenger Health Care facilities alone, in total resulting in 363 years from all Sprenger Health Care Systems, and even more in overall clinical experience!
Many of the therapists in the photo above began their careers with Sprenger and overtime have grown throughout the company, building on learned, hands-on experience and one-on-one mentoring.
This is the case with Angie Maurer, OTR/L. In 2009 she was in her final year of graduate school at Cleveland State University, when she attended an Occupational Therapy conference and had the opportunity to chat with leadership from Sprenger Health Care Towne Center. Here, she learned that the only years-old, newly constructed nursing facility was in Avon Lake, Ohio, Angie’s hometown. She, along with a handful of her classmates, were given the opportunity to begin their career with Sprenger Health Care, all of which remain employed with the company!
Angie has been an Occupational Therapist with Sprenger Health Care since the very beginning of her career, working at Towne Center for nearly 15 years. Angie stated, “I love working here, at Towne Center. The people are amazing; We all work together, bouncing ideas off one another. Physical, occupational, and speech therapists work as one unit, making sure that our residents get the best care that we can provide. Everyone here is just amazing – the nurses, the environmental staff, everyone!”
For Mistie Hall, PTA, she has had a similar experience to Angie. Mistie went to Lorain County Community College and received a degree in Applied Science, continuing on to become a certified Physical Therapy Assistant, which is a career that she has worked in for nearly 20 years. She began her career in a neighboring hospital, and then transitioned into a travel position, which is how she happened across Sprenger Health Care. She began working for Sprenger Health Care Systems almost 17 years ago, at Autumn Aegis in Lorain, Ohio. For her first few years with Sprenger, she traveled around to other local Sprenger facilities, such as Anchor Lodge, Amherst Manor, and Elms Retirement Village, but 12 years ago, she decided to make a permanent home at Towne Center, where she has been ever since.
In December 2023, Mistie took over an exercise class held twice a week in Towne Center’s Independent Living, assisting residents with physical activities to continually improve their health and independence. The class has exponentially grown since Mistie has taken over, and it is just one small piece of her time at Sprenger that she values dearly. Mistie’s end-career goal is to eventually retire with Sprenger.
Kristen Matus, PT, DPT, has been with Sprenger Health Care for exactly half of her career, nearing a decade. She graduated from Toledo University in the Fall of 2006 and began working as a Physical Therapist in January of 2007. In 2016, some of Kristen’s friends persuaded her to try out a new avenue with Sprenger, and so she did. Out of her 18-year long Physical Therapy career, Kristen has spent 9 of those years with Sprenger Health Care, and she doesn’t plan to leave anytime soon. In fact, Kristen hopes to continue her growth at Towne Center by promoting continued positive development with the outpatient therapy caseload. She stated that her goal is to “help the community by providing care.”
Flourishing Careers

Angie, Mistie, and Kristen are just a few of the many therapists who have chosen Sprenger Health Care as a place to flourish their career. Not only has their career grown over time, but the relationships they have garnered have given them family-like friendships in both co-workers and residents. Angie stated that the one part of her job that she enjoys the most is being able to go to work and enjoy her time spent with all of the residents, but especially the residents who reside in long-term care, who she has known and worked with for years.
Sprenger Health Care Systems is an ever growing 12-nursing home, 10-assisted living, and 8-independent living enterprise, employing more than 2,000 professionals, located in Ohio and South Carolina. If you are interested in joining Angie, Mistie, Kristen, and the dozens of other devoted therapy professionals, search our open positions here.
Reducing the Holiday Blues in Nursing FacilitiesAs the holiday season quickly approaches, garland and tinsel temporarily adorning most homes, you may feel more cheerful than you have all year. We often gather with family and friends, eating, chatting, reminiscing of the past, and what our future entails. Spreading love, kindness, and cheer by giving gifts or making holiday cookies. However, there are some, specifically older adults, that have a more difficult time getting into the holiday spirit.
For many seniors, the holiday season may have a new meaning. Instead of setting out cookies and milk for Santa, or traveling to long-distance relative’s homes, the absence of these traditions may leave the holiday season seeming like a thing of the past.
Some factors that may contribute to holiday depression among the elderly include:
- Absence of parents, siblings, friends, and children (feeling alone)
- Separation from loved ones
- Financial limitations
- Loss of independence
- Loss of mobility
- Failing eyesight (lessening the ability to read/write holiday correspondence)
- Medical diagnosis
These changes may result in feeling subdued or sad, which is a normal reaction to facing change and generally temporary, the person eventually returning to their normal mood state, but a case of long-term blues is not a natural part of aging. When these feelings begin interfering with functioning in everyday life, it is considered depression.
Doug Gregory, the Bereavement Coordinator for Sprenger Health Care’s WellSpring Hospice says, “The American Association of Geriatrics Psychiatry, (AAGP) indicates that over 30% of nursing home residents may experience depression which can be exasperated during the holidays due to several factors. Caregivers and facility staff should be aware of changes in behavior and mood with residents.”
Some signs of depression in older individuals may include:
- Questioning the value of life
- Diminished self-esteem
- Excessive feelings of guilt
- Reduced appetite
- Lethargy/lack of energy
- Persistent sadness
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Unusual fidgeting
- Staring off into space (or at the television) for prolonged periods of time
Depression is a medical illness that should be diagnosed and treated by trained professionals. Left untreated, depression may last months or even years.
Gregory also offered a handful of tips in dealing with seasonal depression, saying, “Some preventative measures to consider are: referrals for counseling and psychiatry, bringing in service animals, children’s choirs, and other special activities during high-risk seasons, collecting old holiday cards and decorations to hang on resident’s doors and in their rooms, encouraging family members to purchase scenic window film coverings for the resident’s room, and simply taking time to just sit or talk with these residents. It is essential to differentiate between normal sadness and clinical depression, which requires treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling, professional support can make a significant difference.”
Other things that may help a person with a case of the holiday blues:
- Find ways to include elderly family members/friends in holiday preparation.
- Help with specific tasks.
- Help wrap holiday gifts
- Create crafts to decorate with or give as a gift
- Create or have them walk you through a favorite holiday recipe
- Help fill out and send holiday cards
- If you can’t visit, call.
- Stay busy.
- Facility activities and events
- Make new traditions.
Depression may go past just during the holiday season. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons, typically starting in the late fall and early winter and goes away during the spring and summer. A sad mood is linked to lack of sunlight during the winter months due to shorter days.
It is important to note that depressive and suicidal thoughts or actions should never be ignored. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, please take action by calling your doctor, 911, visiting the nearest emergency room, or contacting nursing or therapy staff.
Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) to be connected to a trained counselor at a suicide crisis center nearest you.