How to Get Through the Holidays as a Family Caregiver

The holidays should be a time of celebration and relaxation. However, as a family caregiver, you have the added responsibility of making sure the holidays are safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for your loved one, no matter what their current health challenges may be.

While you cannot predict how every aspect of holiday gatherings will play out, planning ahead will help you set reasonable expectations, feel more prepared, and experience less stress overall.

5 Ways to Manage the Holidays as a Family Caregiver

We’ve gathered the following tips shared by caregivers that we hope will help you this holiday season.

Set Realistic Expectations for Family and Friends

Be sure to communicate early on with those visiting during the holidays so they can better anticipate any changes to the usual celebration and be mindful of your needs.

They will be excited to see and spend time with you and your loved one. Your role is to:

• Share news about any new or serious health conditions
• Let them know the best time of day to visit and if there will be changes in the recommended length of stay
• Suggest foods to avoid bringing to the house if applicable
• Communicate any physical or mental limitations that may affect how they should interact with your loved one

Simplify Whenever Possible

Simplify and streamline traditions and activities. Take time to decide what is important and what is just done out of habit. Remove unnecessary tasks from your schedule and eliminate activities that add to holiday stress.

Simplify the holiday menu to just a few traditional favorites. Ask visitors to your home to bring one of those favorites. Another option is to start a tradition of eating out at a favorite restaurant. This can give you a break from meal preparation and cleanup in the kitchen.

Plan Events and Activities Around Your Loved One

Talk with your loved one about what they feel is important around the holidays, such as favorite decorations, holiday music, favorite foods, and family get-togethers.

Don’t be afraid to discuss in detail who is coming and what you will be doing so that there are no surprises.

If your loved one has had a stroke, dementia, or any other health condition that may cause emotional instability, plan on downtime in a quiet atmosphere to avoid sensory overload.

If traveling will put undue stress on you or your loved one, arrange for intimate, small groups to visit over the holidays.

Plan Well in Advance

Plan ahead of time for inclement weather and extended stays by ensuring you have enough warm clothing - including incontinence products if needed, extra medication, and have accounted for any special dietary requirements.

Make sure you investigate whether there will be any large crowds that could pose a health risk to your loved one if they have a compromised immune system and take the necessary precautions.

Take Advantage of In-Person Family Time

Some important conversations are easier to have face-to-face. While it may be difficult to approach certain subjects this time of year, in-person conversations can reduce miscommunication. If appropriate, use this time to discuss subjects you may have been putting off, such as end-of-life care or general financial and/or legal topics.

Ask for Help

This is not the time to do everything on your own—ask for assistance from family and friends to do the shopping, cooking, wrapping presents, and other errands that come up during the holidays.

Consider respite care and learn how to accept help from others. As a family caregiver, you must get some help and rest, especially during this stressful time of year.

If friends or family inquire about what gifts you would like, consider asking for gift cards to restaurants, meal delivery services, or cleaning services.

Remember to take care of your own health by getting adequate sleep, exercising, and eating a healthy diet. Have a cup of tea or a walk, and if you start feeling overwhelmed, reach out to friends and family.

Enjoy the holidays!