5 Ways to Make the Holidays Merry

AgingCare.com

The holidays can cause large amounts of stress for people caring for elderly parents. In addition to caregiving duties, during the holdiays, you can now add shopping, holiday parties and family gatherings to a never-ending to-do list.

The AgingCare.com community has seen an increase in stress-related issues on our discussion boards. One AgingCare.com member said, “I feel more stressed every year…It starts before Thanksgiving and lasts through the New Year. Holiday planning always falls on my shoulders. Last year, Mom was in the hospital, which added to the stress. I keep promising myself to get more involved in something other than caregiving…to recharge myself.”

Here is some advice for weary caregivers.

1. Take a Break

Reducing stress is vital to your health. Family caregivers have higher illness rates than non-caregiving peers. Respite care offers short-term care for dependent adults and provides you some relief – even more important during the holidays. Types of respite include adult day care, in-home help, and assistance from family and friends.

2. Ask for Help

Getting Your Siblings to Help With Caregiving

Many caregivers avoid asking for help and try to do everything themselves. But once you ask for help, you might find it is easier than you expected. Many times, family members and friends are willing to help, but don’t know how. Here are some tips for getting family to help out.

5 Ways to Make the Holidays Merry originally appeared on AgingCare.com.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Kath R.

4:15AM PST on Dec 14, 2011

I agree..."Asking for Help" is a great idea.

send a green star

Michele W.

10:19AM PST on Dec 7, 2011

Thank you

Joe R.

4:23PM PST on Dec 6, 2011

Thanks.

Ellie D.

1:48PM PST on Nov 28, 2011

thanks

Carol Y.

8:26PM PST on Nov 27, 2011

Good advice!

Rita B.

2:31PM PST on Nov 26, 2011

thanks :)

Anne B.

4:37AM PST on Nov 26, 2011

My dear sister has the onerous job of caring for our 90 year old mother, since I'm on the other side of the U.S. I'm sending this post to her, in hopes that she can find ways to help make her holidays merrier-unfortunately, I can't be there in person to help her during the holidays, nor can I send money to pay for respite care...but I call her often and try my best to support her emotionally with this currently never-ending burden...

Rebecca S.

10:49PM PST on Nov 25, 2011

thanks.

Claudette C.

10:09PM PST on Nov 25, 2011

Please leave the "Christmas" Trees in the ground. Thank you.

Penny C.

10:06PM PST on Nov 25, 2011

Great ideas,thanks.