December 15, 2008

Healthy Woman Today:  Caregivers’ Holiday Survival Guide

WEATHERFORD, TEXAS – Are you caring for an elderly or ailing relative?  If so, you run an even greater risk of suffering from holiday depression.  Studies show that caring for an ill loved one consumes so much physical and mental energy that caregivers find the holidays even more stressful than the rest of us.

The National Alliance for Caregiving estimates that 80 percent of all care received by older Americans is provided by family members.  Many caregivers are adult children – part of the “sandwich generation” – caring for a parent and raising children at the same time.

Caregivers may feel guilty for not being able to fulfill everyone’s wishes, exhausted from caregiving duties, or angry because they don’t have any time for themselves.  Suggestions for simplifying the holidays and balancing those caregiving challenges include:
• Accept that the holidays are going to be different this year.  It’s impossible to be a caregiver and plan a complete holiday celebration.
• Minimize your shopping burden by buying gifts online, purchasing gift cards or giving a group family gift.  Cut back on your gift list, if necessary
• Skip the formal sit-down dinner and host a potluck holiday dinner instead.  Better yet, make reservations at a special restaurant, or let another family member do the cooking.
• Let your children know that the holidays are about family time together and not gifts or cookies.
• Manage your time by involving children in holiday chores, decorating one or two rooms instead of the entire house, and cutting back on your holiday card list – or sending a simple email greeting.
• Take time for yourself and enjoy a break from the daily routine.  Can’t get away?  Check with your hospital or a local charity for respite care.
• Decide which holiday traditions are most important and which your family can do without.  If possible, include a tradition that your elderly or sick family member started.  This will help maintain their happy memories and continue longstanding traditions.
For more information on effective caregiving, visit www.caregiving.com.

Weatherford Regional Medical Center Healthy Woman Today is a free monthly source for members to receive up-to-date, relevant and useful health and lifestyle information that can have an immediate and positive impact on you and your loved ones.  To become a Healthy Woman today, visit www.weatherfordregional.com or call (817) 341-PINK (7465).