Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

As winter arrives and daylight hours shorten, many older adults begin to experience a noticeable shift in mood, energy, and wellbeing. While everyone feels the effects of darker days to some degree, for some people (particularly those who are elderly, living alone, or coping with long-term health conditions) the winter blues can become something more serious: Seasonal Affective Disorder.

At Crystal Care, we see firsthand how seasonal changes can impact the emotional, physical, and social wellbeing of our elderly clients. SAD Awareness Month gives us an important opportunity to highlight the signs to look out for, the reasons older adults may be particularly vulnerable, and how home care can make an enormous difference during the winter months.

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most commonly occurring during autumn and winter when daylight is limited. Reduced sunlight affects the body’s internal clock, disrupts sleep hormones, and lowers serotonin levels, all of which influence mood and energy.

For older adults, these changes can be amplified by lifestyle factors such as limited mobility, reduced social interaction, chronic illness, bereavement, or spending long periods indoors.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent low mood

• Lack of interest in activities

• Sleep disturbances

• Reduced appetite

• Fatigue and low motivation

• Withdrawing from social engagement

• Difficulty concentrating

• Heightened anxiety or irritability

Because these symptoms can also resemble those of other age-related health conditions, SAD often goes unnoticed.

Why Older Adults Are More Vulnerable

Winter creates several challenges that disproportionately affect elderly people:

Reduced sunlight exposure

Short days and cold weather make it harder for older adults to spend time outdoors. For those with mobility issues, even opening curtains or sitting in natural light can be difficult without support.

Increased loneliness

Christmas can be a bittersweet time for many older adults who have lost partners, family members, or long-term friends. Social circles often become smaller with age, and a combination of grief and isolation can deepen feelings of sadness.

Health conditions intensifying mood changes

Chronic pain, respiratory conditions, dementia, heart disease, and limited mobility can all worsen in colder months, contributing to changes in mood or behaviour.

Routine disruption

Winter weather often leads to cancelled plans, reduced mobility, and reliance on others. A disrupted routine can impact emotional resilience and stability.

How Home Care Helps Prevent and Manage SAD

A warm, friendly home care visit can make a profound difference in the life of an older adult during the winter months. 

At Crystal Care, our carers are trained not only to support physical health, but also to monitor emotional wellbeing and look out for signs of seasonal depression.

Here are some of the ways our team supports clients who may be struggling:

1. Daily Companionship and Connection

Conversation, shared moments, and regular social interaction can dramatically reduce loneliness. Even a short visit can brighten a client’s day and provide structure and connection.

2. Encouraging Light and Activity

Our carers can help open curtains, position chairs near windows, or take clients outside for a walk when safe and appropriate. Exposure to daylight, even on cloudy days, has proven benefits for mood.

3. Maintaining Routines

Consistent daily habits help stabilise the body’s internal clock. Carers support clients with getting out of bed at regular times, preparing meals, taking medication, and staying engaged with normal activities.

4. Spotting Early Signs of Decline

Because our carers visit regularly, they can quickly notice changes in mood, sleep, energy, or appetite. Early identification means families and healthcare providers can intervene sooner.

5. Supporting Nutrition and Hydration

Appetite often decreases with seasonal depression. Our carers prepare warming meals, encourage hydration, and ensure clients receive balanced nutrition.

6. Emotional Support

Listening, encouraging, and offering reassurance are simple but powerful ways carers help clients feel valued, heard, and understood.

7. Helping Clients Stay Connected

From helping clients send Christmas cards to arranging video calls with family, our carers help maintain meaningful relationships that reduce loneliness.

Supporting Through the Winter Months

Families often feel increased worry during winter, especially if they cannot visit as often as they’d like due to work, weather, or distance. 

Crystal Care provides peace of mind by ensuring loved ones are checked on, supported, and emotionally cared for each day.

We understand that SAD affects not only the individual but also the wider family. Our communication with relatives helps everyone feel reassured and informed.

If you notice changes in mood, appetite, energy, or social engagement this winter, you are not alone, and your loved one does not have to face these months unsupported. A little help truly goes a long way.

Crystal Care offers:

• Daily home care

• Companionship visits

• Personal care

• Meal preparation

• Support with mobility and exercise

• Medication reminders

• Respite care for family carers

  
  

Even a few visits a week can help stabilise routines, boost mood, and prevent loneliness from becoming harmful.

At Crystal Care, we bring warmth, connection, and comfort into the homes of those who need it most, helping clients remain independent, supported, and emotionally well throughout the darkest months of the year.

If you believe your loved one may benefit from extra support this winter, our team is here to help.