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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information Tips for caregivers to enjoy and survive the holidays
The holidays are a time to be enjoyed with family and friends, but for caregivers, holidays can be stressful and difficult for many reasons. Caregivers who are already balancing the responsibilities of caregiving with normal everyday life have the added tasks of shopping, decorating, baking, cleaning, and making sure that the holidays are enjoyable for themselves and others. This can be daunting. Many caregivers may feel that the last thing they need is to have more to do. Here are some hints to help caregivers enjoy and survive the holidays without too much added stress:
• Remember that it is important and okay to state what you think you can or cannot do, and to follow though with those decisions.
• Prioritize! Decide which family traditions to follow or create a new tradition. A “pot luck” dinner means you don’t have to do all the cooking.
• If possible, involve family and the person you are caring for to be part of the planning and activities. It’s okay to say that you need help. Assign tasks.Make it fun, such as a planning a decorating night, or a baking night. Remember that it’s okay if there are fewer decorations and holiday goodies.
• Keep family gatherings small. Too many people may mean too much work for you, and could be overwhelming for your loved one.
• When family and friends ask for gift suggestions, suggest that “help” is the best gift of all. Having family or friends visit for a couple of hours once or twice a week is good for your loved one and provides needed respite for you. Better yet, if your loved one can go out, suggest that they take him/her out for an afternoon.
• Prepare yourself. Family members who have not visited in awhile will not see all that is done in an average day. They may insist that things are “pretty good” and therefore downplay your caregiving role.
• Be aware for both you and your loved one that television shows and magazine articles may portray unrealistic family gatherings where all is happy, triggering feelings of sadness and other emotions.
• Most important, take care of yourself. Do your best to keep your sense of humor. Try to find some quiet time for yourself each day, even if it is only 10 minutes, and remember that you are not alone.
For support and caregiver information, contact Elder Services’ Caregiver Liaison Bea Cowlin at 413-499-0524, 1-800-544-5242 or caregiver@esbci.org.