Caregiving during the Holidays

Caring for our loved ones during the holiday season can become overwhelming. The holiday season becomes a part of our focus,and yet, we do these rituals for just one reason. The spirit of giving something valuable to the special people in our lives. There are so many things that will take our attention during the next month. But let us not forget to take time for ourselves to decompress. Many people feel overwhelmed and exhausted from the holidays. Add being a caregiver and the stress level goes even higher. It is natural to have some stress, but when it begins to take over your life, you need help. Take a break during this time and spend a day just for you. Relax, take in a movie, or find a local coffee house to sit and sip your favorite cup of coffee or tea and read a magazine or your favorite book. How can I do this you say? Understanding that you can not do this alone, ask family or a friend to watch your loved one for the day. Also, there are many agencies available to provide assistance. I know you are thinking, I cannot afford this. But, you cannot afford the health affects of not taking this break. You need to maintain your health and sanity to keep moving forward. Slow down and share something rare...living in the moment.

Caregivers need care too.

The older population, especially the elderly (80+) and their family members get lost in the navigation of the numerous programs and complicated systems available. The caregivers stress over the mental or health issues of their loved one puts pressure onto the entire family when trying to find help. Having one place to go and get the direction they need is liberation from that pressure. It is important to understand what information is available and applying it to meet the goals of the caregiver. Moreover, if the elderly lack family support or funding to access these programs, they fear becoming completely forgotten. That is why a patient advocate/navigator is a healthy choice all around. Additionally, it is important to remember the caregiver also needs to receive care. Hospice care sources estimate that spouses providing end-of-life care for patients with lung cancer in hospice programs report an average of over 120 hr per week of care giving. Caregivers have a large impact on the health of the elderly they care for and the eventual outcome of the care. Offering an outlet to caregivers to express themselves is productive for both the caregiver and the elder, using other family members or friends reduces stress. Remember, it is important to connect with others via support groups, online conversations, newsletters, blogs, and family groups’ events.