The holidays are a wonderful time to get together with friends and relatives, but it’s rarely considered a relaxing time of year. The holiday stress, from shopping to social gatherings to family gatherings, can be incredibly stressful, and when you have a loved one to care for, your own needs can fall by the wayside.
Wondering how you’ll get everything on your to-do list taken care of in time for the holidays? Try implementing the following holiday stress tips for caregivers to help you stay on task.
- Skip the mall & shop online. Going out to a crowded mall can be difficult this time of year, especially when you have a frail senior in your care. Online shopping can be accomplished from nearly anywhere, in the doctor’s office, in the evening while watching TV, etc., and is substantially less stressful than struggling through the large holiday crowds.
- Make it a team effort. Too many presents to wrap? Unsure how you’ll write out all of your holiday cards? Enlist the help of a family member or friend who can help wrap presents. Schedule an afternoon to visit, sip hot cocoa, and write out all of your holiday cards together with a senior family member assisting in whatever ways they’re able.
- Be discerning about “made from scratch.” Many people feel obligated to go overboard on food during the holidays, but not everything on your table needs to be homemade. Select one or two items for your holiday menu that you would like to make from scratch, and utilize some microwavable or pre-made dishes to round out the table and save you some precious time.
Did you know a professional caregiver can provide support with these holiday to-dos and many others for the older adults you love? Not only can we take care of errands like grocery shopping, prepare delicious meals, and help with wrapping gifts and decorating the home, but we also love taking older adults out holiday shopping! Our caregiving companions are always available to make each day during the holiday season – and beyond – brighter and happier for those we serve, while allowing family members to take necessary time away from their care obligations.
Being a caregiver during the holidays can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to stress you out. With Compassionate Care Home Health Services, the experts in home care and dementia care in Saginaw and nearby areas, you’re never alone in your caregiving role. Contact our home care team at 877.308.1212 to request a complimentary in-home consultation to learn more about the many ways we can help you and someone you love. From all of us at Compassionate Care Home Health Services, we wish you and your family the happiest of holidays and all the best in the coming year!