FIVE TIPS FOR MAKING THE HOLIDAYS LESS STRESSFUL FOR CAREGIVERS

The editor-in-cheif of Today's Caregiver magazine offers five tips for helping caregivers have a lower stress holiday season.

Dulles, VA-The holidays can be a stressful time for anyone, but even more so for those caring for an elderly parent of relative, says Gary Barg, editor-in-chief and publisher of Todays Caregiver Magazine and editor of THE FEARLESS CAREGIVER: How to Get the Best Care for your Loved Ones and Still Have a Life of Your Own (Capital Books, November 1, 2001, $21.95).

With the holidays, there is much confusion with the hustle and bustle of preparing for extra company, fixing special meals and playing the host while trying to enjoy the whole experience as well," Barg says. For a caregiver, this time can add a whole new set of strains to an already stressful situation."
Barg offers some tips for making the holidays enjoyable and less stressful for all:

1.) Try to include your loved one in some holiday preparations. Give him or her something to do that is within their abilities and that will make them feel useful. Occupying their time will help you get other things done as well.
2.) Maintain a sense of familiarity. Go easy on the decorations, and dont move too much furniture to accommodate trees or other objects. Changing familiar surroundings can lead to confusion, especially for someone with memory problems, physical impairment, or other handicap. Extra cords, fragile decorations, and piles of gifts can be hazards to those with limited mobility.
3.) With all of the holiday hubbub, your loved one could become confused and agitated. Try to limit the number of guests in your home at one time, and make sure that someone is always aware of the whereabouts of your loved one. If he or she tends to wander, there is a chance that this may happen when everyone thinks someone else is on watch."

4.) Ask for help! Dont try to take on all of the burdens of caring for your loved one and preparing for the holidays. Something as simple as asking a neighbor or other relative to stay with your loved one for a few hours while you get some shopping done can make all the difference between a calm and a stressed-out holiday.

5.) Most importantly, take time for yourself. Spend an hour in a bubble bath, read a book, play in the snow. Do something that you enjoy, and have fun. The holidays are about fun and enjoyment, so make sure that you have some of both.
Caregiving is a daunting challenge," Barg says, Caregivers may have unusually high expectations during holidays and special occasions. Knowing that this might be a last birthday, anniversary, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc., caregivers may feel enormous pressure to make this time especially significant. But keeping your level of expectations realistic will make the day go smoother for you, your loved one, extended family and friends."
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