SAVE YOUR SANITY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Being a caregiver to a loved one this holiday season means that your holiday celebrations may not be the same as they were in the past. It may be beneficial to reexamine holiday expectations, work on ways to eliminate stress, and learn how to cope with feeling unappreciated. Face it, you can’t do it all alone, so stop trying. Enlist the help of family, friends, and consider giving yourself the gift of respite care from a home health agency like Visiting Angels.

When you feel overwhelmed because there is so much to do, try to refocus on an activity that brings you joy and gives you some time for yourself. Make selfcare a priority before you get exhausted and resentful. Take time to celebrate your caregiving accomplishments, accept others’ limitations, and find a way to reward yourself. Keep your sense of self (and your sense of humor), because often chronic illness or disease does not improve. Realize there are only certain things you can control, but you can come up with options and make the right choices for both you and your loved one.

Try keeping a journal to write down your worries and fears, plus the daily things that bug you. When you feel a panic attack coming on, try some meditation or do some breathing exercises, even a few moments of yoga stretches to calm your mood.

Guilt or sadness can intensify over the holidays. As much as you want your older adult to have a happy and special holiday, you can only do so much. Some seniors won’t recognize or understand what’s happening, some stubbornly remain in a negative mood, and some just won’t appreciate your efforts.

Ask family to all chip in with decorations, party food, housekeeping and clean up, holiday shopping and errands. They may be happy you asked and enjoy pitching in.

Remember that when a loved one doesn’t enjoy the holiday cheer or is stuck in a bad mood, it’s NOT because you didn’t try hard enough to create a joyous holiday under difficult circumstances. You’re taking care of the things you can control, so don’t feel guilty or beat yourself up over things you simply can’t control.

Need help and some time to yourself? Consider respite care to get a break here and there. If you want to know more, click here: https://www.visitingangels.com/palmbeaches/give-yourself-the-gift-of-respite-care-weekly-message_868

Till Next Time!

Irv Seldin, JD, President and Owner, Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches

*THIS ARTICLE IS NOT INTENDED AS MEDICAL ADVICE.