Tips to Help Caregivers During the Holidays

Feeling Stressed Caregivers? Adapt to the Holidays and Enjoy the Moment.

Caregivers give and give year round and during the holidays, the giving is even more. It can be quite stressful and frustrating for caregivers during the holidays, as well as those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. We feel it important to lend some caregivers tips to make the holidays more enjoyable. It’s ok to give yourself a break and we’re glad to offer that support.

As caregivers, you may reach a point of mental and physical exhaustion, lose motivation and probably feel that you don’t care about loved ones, relationships or much of anything. You may feel you have reached the end and burned out.

Be aware of emotional ups and downs, levels of fatigue and tiredness, inability to focus, and felling like nothing is getting accomplished.

Center Yourself Around What is Meaningful

There are many circumstances that cannot be controlled when it comes to those suffering with various mental and physical challenges, however, prioritizing holiday activities will help produce good memories and create an enjoyable holiday season. Focus on only what is necessary and what can bring about a little joy in the hearts of loved ones.

Safety Comes First

Securing holiday decorations such as lights, Christmas trees, menorahs so that they do not fall over and cause a fire is very important. All flammable items should be monitored at all times and keeping anything breakable fixed firmly is key especially with Alzheimer’s patients. Keep clutter away from hallways and walkways to avoid accidents, especially during the holidays.

Introduce New Traditions and Adapting

Feeling overwhelmed and having to adapt your traditional role during the holidays is normal. You may need to modify the amount of time away from home to cater to the comfort level of your loved one. Instead of adapting to tradition, try something new this year. Watch a holiday concert on TV, take them for a drive through a neighborhood to view a light display and watch old home movies. If they’re not up to attending a family gathering, why not have a video chat.

Simplify the Holiday Menu

Preparing meals and goodies are a big part of the holidays, and it’s a little challenging when having to care for a loved one, as meals require a bit of planning, money and coordination. Holiday baking can be exhausting to the point that you can’t enjoy them. Rather than canceling holiday meals entirely, we recommend making slight adjustments.

– Add a simple menu with fewer dishes and 1 dessert versus a variety.

– Purchase fully cooked meals ahead of time that can be heated on the day of use.

– Split up the grocery shopping between other family members and friends.

– If possible, pay someone to cook for you at home.

Give-Giving Made More Efficient

The world of the internet is a gem when it comes to shopping online. Even though gift-giving is a holiday tradition, it can be very time consuming and costly. Try shopping online and choosing gift-wrap as an option. Packages will come delivered to your door, already wrapped and cut the stress of wrapping presents.

Family caregivers are usually financially stressed so don’t feel cheap in cutting back on your gift-giving budget this year. If you have a large family, introduce the option of drawing names and exchange with one person versus having to buy numerous gifts.

Adjust Your Mindset

Celebrate your loved ones in what they can participate in at the moment. Don’t get sad and depressed over what they can no longer do. Appreciate any help you are offered rather than dwelling on those who you feel aren’t supportive. Don’t try to resolve problems over the holidays. Instead, experience the joy of the holidays and stay mindful of the present moment. Live for the moment!

Reach Out To Other Caregivers

Trust us, you are not alone! Other caregivers are experiencing many of the same emotions, even when others can’t relate to you. Connect with them and reach out online via Facebook, other message boards, or community support groups. They are a positive way to seek support and you’ll be surprised how much support you can receive from people you have never met. Many message boards are a blessing to new caregivers and those that feel overwhelmed.

Please Ask For Help

The holidays are a perfect time to ask for a little extra help. Even for a few hours, family and friends can provide a little relief – whether planning and preparation, shopping for groceries, laundry or cleaning the house. Ask a family member or friend to help for a few hours while you catch up on errands or some “me time”.

Right Choice Adult Care and Activity Center offers respite to caregivers – whether weekly, daily and most importantly a few hours so you can get holiday prepared. Contact us to ask us at (407) 574-4751 with any questions you may have – we’re here to help you and your loved one Celebrate Life and make memories you can cherish forever!

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