CAREGIVER HOLIDAY BLUES? - NOT ME!

SEVEN TIPS TO CONQUER THE HOLIDAY BLUES

The holidays are here! The hustle and bustle, going to the mall, decorations and special meals – OH MY!!

If your experience is anything like mine, how you celebrate the holidays and your priorities probably have changed now that you are a family caregiver - I know mine did.

When my mom came to live with me, I had to reorder a lot of things in my life including how I celebrated holidays and sadly she had to make adjustments to her life also. My mom was a very social person and as a matter of fact her friends called her “Miss Congeniality” because she loved to interact with people, but it also made it particularly hard for her to deal with and accept her limitations as her illness progressed.

Now, maybe you will have different set of issues to deal with during the upcoming holidays but, with a little planning, you might save yourself a lot of hassle, stress and a case of the holiday blues .

So, I'd like to share a few tips that helped me thru some difficult days that I gathered from my own experience as well as tips from other caregiver friends and support groups.

If you have a large family and holiday gatherings are the norm, make them aware of your concerns. Call family members and discuss what plans are in the works and explain what they can do to make a safe and happy holiday experience your ill family member.

Plan your activities carefully and small. pick and choose the one’s to attend that will best suit you and your loved one, as sometimes a large gathering can be stressful and confusing for them. And sometimes due to the particular illness, you have to take into account your loved one may tire more easily, have diet restrictions, and have mobility issues just to name a few.

If the event you plan to attend requires travel for any distance; make a list of supplies, medications and necessities to have on hand, so your loved one is able to keep your regular routine. And, I’m sure you’re already aware holidays can be a stressful time even without any complications .

If you are hosting an event request help from the family so everything is not on your shoulders, leaving you stressed out in preparing, hosting and handling caregiving duties as well.

If your loved one’s health has declined since other family member’s have last seen them –especially for those you only get together with during the holidays, explain the changes and let them know what to expect.

Since family gatherings usually includes at least one “critic” in the crowd, don’t let them ruin your day. Better yet, beat them to the punch when you have your family discussion, and suggest if they should have any questions or concerns about care issues ask that they wait until after the event to give their thoughts, feedback and suggestions.

If you and your loved one are not in a position to see other family members or friends during the holidays, don’t give into loneliness, depression or resentfulness. Quite often the person you are caring for can feel as if they are a burden to their family and are more sensitive to any nonverbal communication, emotions and negative attitudes that you may have, and that can lead to their being depressed.

Finally, in this day of social media, if you can’t or don’t want to attend a holiday event, why not ask the family to consider putting pictures on facebook, and/or making a holiday memory CD with special family greetings for your loved one that can be played whenever you choose.

Be Well - Stay Well -Because Caregivers Need Care Too!!

Coach Gloria

Gloria J. Brown -

Life Strategies/Wellness Coach & Patient Advocate

Owner: GJ Brown & Associates

Blog: Glo’s Caregiver Wellness Connection

Email: gbrown1gjba@gmail.com

Website: http://gbrown1gjba.wix.com/caregiverwellness