By: Linda Burhans
Often touted as the most wonderful time of the year, the holidays can bring on a host of mixed emotions for caregivers and their families. While the holidays are a time of gatherings with family and friends, they can also be a source of stress. As you plan your holiday get-togethers think about how these events may affect your loved one, for whom familiarity and routine provides them comfort.
Happiness and sadness co-mingle during family gatherings and, for some, the rosy glow of Christmas tree lights and Hanukkah candles serves only to highlight the pain of spending the holiday with an aging or ill loved one.
1. Prepare
Prepare Your Loved One for Family. If you can, show your loved one photos of family members and friends who may be coming to the house for holiday festivities.
If older relatives are visiting your home for the holidays, ensure your home is safe and accessible. Be mindful of hazards in your home. For instance, someone with a cane could trip over area rugs. Consider having your relative sleep on the first floor of your home. If that’s not possible, let them stay in a room close to the bathroom. In addition, use nightlights in the hallway so they don’t stumble in the dark.
You may want to designate a quiet space or quiet in room in your home. This way if mom gets a little overwhelmed she can find a quiet space.
2. Keep It Simple
Minimize stress by paring down and focusing on the most meaningful traditions. Holiday decorating is so personal but celebrating the spirit of the season is the important thing and keeping it simple will allow to enjoy its true significance.
Use moderation when decorating. Twinkling lights and extra decorations could cause overstimulation and disorientation.
Many supermarkets deliver today… make your list and let them assist you. Perhaps, even cater some of the food this year.
3. Accept Help
It’s simple, really: People feel good when they do something nice for someone else. And when they help by providing respite and assistance in a caregiving situation, it’s even better. Caregivers may be reluctant to accept help, because they feel they should be able to handle everything themselves. Please remember caregivers, it takes a village. You are not alone and people want to help.
4. Be In The Moment
Don’t be focusing on how the holidays “used to be”.
Being in the moment is, “the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.” At first glance, that sounds a bit complicated. But it really is very simple.
Remember warm and happy times. Let go of the busy chatter in your mind and focus your thoughts on what’s important to you and your loved one about the holidays. Pay attention. … Remind yourself to pay attention to your feelings and your loved one’s.
And remember to BREATHE!