While the holidays may be a joyous time spent with family and friends, they can also be stressful for someone caring for a loved one.
Caregiving isn’t easy. It is frequently full-time work with no holidays or breaks. Additionally, missing out on this crucial vacation time might result in loneliness and exhaustion.
These emotions might worsen over the holidays since family and friends are busy with parties, get-togethers, and shopping, which a caregiver might not have time for. About 7 out of 10 family caregivers experience emotional stress during the holiday season. Therefore, it is more important than ever to assist caregivers and take a minute to let them know how much we value them at this time.
This time of year can be a joyous occasion for everyone by assisting your family caregivers throughout the holidays.
Tips for Helping the Family Caregivers Throughout the Holiday Season
The tips below will provide some insight and ideas on how to help the family caregiver over the holidays. Caregivers devote a tremendous amount of time, money, and physical and emotional energy to the loved one in their care. Here are a few ways you can help them during this time.
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Listen
It is possible that the caregiver needs a secure space to vent. Listening to them attentively and without passing judgment is one of the best ways to help them. People handle the burden of caring for someone differently, and they all battle with the pain of change and the implications of the illness they are caring for.
Remember that the caregiver is probably not looking for you to fix their issues; they are searching for an attentive ear to tell them to.
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Offer to Help
The holidays may be a powerful reminder for caregivers that others may not be doing their fair share in caring for their senior loved one. If a caregiver feels mistreated or unfairly depended upon, seeing relatives at events can cause distress. Offering to help with a chore or to cover the cost of a respite is a kind approach to assist the caregiver, even if you are just a friend and not family.
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Bring a Hot Meal
If invited to the caregiver’s house or an event they’re holding, offer to bring food. A warm, home-cooked dinner they didn’t have to prepare is a much-appreciated way to show your support for the caregiver. You can also take an additional freezer-safe food in a dish they can enjoy after the festivities.
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Take Them Out of the House
If you can, schedule a day for just the two of you. Plan an afternoon stroll around the park, treat them to supper or coffee, or schedule a game of golf. Try to arrange for the caregiver to leave the house and their obligations without adding to their already heavy mental burden.
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Run Errands or Lend a Hand with Housework.
Offering to assist a caregiver with some of their regular duties is one way to support them. Simple chores like laundry, food shopping, and yard labor might fall under this category. Caregivers could even require assistance with simple tasks like gift buying, hanging decorations, and wrapping gifts over the holidays.
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Monetary Support
Although giving money as a present might not seem like the most welcoming thing to do, it isn’t. Financial help may be essential at this time since caregivers frequently shoulder the cost of their loved one’s care.
However, you don’t need to provide money to be helpful. You may also be creative with this form of assistance. For example, parking at hospitals can be unexpectedly expensive. It can be beneficial to offer to fundraise or assist with specific bills that build up.
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Consider Hiring a Caregiver
Nobody can accomplish anything alone. A family member may get comfort and peace of mind from professional caretakers when they cannot provide care to their loved one.
One prevalent misunderstanding regarding caregivers is that they are only home-based nursing aides. They might provide support with a variety of things, including companionship and company, everyday duties, and getting to and from appointments.
Conclusion
While providing care can be challenging throughout the year, the holidays can present additional demands and responsibilities. Try your best to be understanding and assist them throughout the holidays to make this season enjoyable for them as well.
Alzheimer’s Research Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. We provide the latest information and news about the illness and helpful tips to help caregivers cope with their daily caregiving challenges. We realize the most important thing that a caregiver needs is financial assistance. Therefore, we provide grants to caregivers to ease their financial burden. Caregivers can apply for grants here: Alzheimer’s Grant Application.
You can also help caregivers in their endeavor by donating as much as possible: Donation To Alzheimer’s Research Associations.
