Caregiving During the Holiday Season

By Family Caregivers Network Society

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The holidays are here again, and although family dynamics may have changed due to caregiving, this season will arrive as usual. With the decline or change in a family member’s health, it can be unrealistic to continue past celebrations while trying to ensure your family member receives proper care.

Many family caregivers are caught up in trying to maintain the status quo and continue life as if the care recipient’s situation hasn’t changed. But it has. This holiday season will not be the same as those in the recent past, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still be enjoyable - in a different way.

Start by letting go of what “should” happen. Take time to re-evaluate your expectations for the holiday season and create a more realistic view of how it might occur. What do you truly have the time and energy to do? What can you delegate to others? Are you doing something out of habit or because you really want to? What is most important to retain about this time of year and how might you easily achieve this? Ask your family to identify one aspect of the holiday celebration they enjoy the most or start new traditions for this stage of your life.

Don't be afraid to say no to invitations or requests. Only say yes to activities you can comfortably manage. You decide how much you’ll celebrate - if others want to do more they can take the initiative.

Try to maintain a sense of routine for the care recipient. Keep the number of guests manageable. Noise and hectic activity can exhaust the person who is ill and the burnt-out family caregiver.

Ask, and then allow, other family members and friends to share in caregiving duties. Ask them to provide respite care for you over the holidays. Just a few hours of time by yourself can help renew your energy.

It is natural to feel sad when others are having what seems to be the “ideal” family gathering. Remember, your family is doing the best they can under the present circumstances. Avoid comparisons with the past. This year will not be the same as holidays in the past, but it can still be enjoyed in its own unique way.

Next issue: Family Caregiving and Making Time for Leisure

 

DECEMBER 2011 SENIOR LIVING MAGAZINE VANCOUVER ISLAND
DECEMBER 2011 SENIOR LIVING MAGAZINE VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

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