Holiday Help: Stress relief is paramount for caregivers

By Suzanne McNeely

Who doesn't feel sometimes overwhelmed by the bustle of the holiday season? Add to that the responsibility of caring for a elderly loved one, and burnout is simply a concept waiting to become reality. But stress doesn't have to take the starring role in your family festivities.

If you're like the increasing number of Americans --80 percent are women-- who are trying to help an aging parent remain at home, safety is your top priority.

Most accidents happen at home and in unsupervised situations. This season, enlist the help of older children or a spouse to play games with loved ones while you get things done. Instead of decorating to the hilt, keep holiday décor simple.

Eliminate the need for extension cords on the floor and simplify your notion of decoration. Move breakable objects out of reach and remove anything someone may stumble over. Replace candles with bright centerpieces of fruit or flowers. Keep candy to a minimum to prevent sugar highs and lows.

Set a few guidelines as to what you expect from yourself. Determine to be positive during the holidays, and to respond with calmness to upsetting scenarios. Sure, things may come to the boiling point at times, but the resolve to not react in like manner will bring the most effective results.

You cannot make everyone happy at all times, but you can take responsibility for your own emotional highs and lows.

Reserve a few moments each day for yourself. Take a short break while your children entertain older relatives with Christmas music or interview their grandparents about favorite holiday memories.

You might enlist the services of a home-help organization to do some of the household chores while you go grocery shopping or take a walk. Professional caregivers can also help alert you to signs of stress or special needs that you might not recognize on a day-to-day basis, curtailing accidents or emotional spills.

The holidays are a great time to slow down instead of speed up. Challenge yourself to match the tempo of your elderly relatives or friends, and see if you don't enjoy the season more.
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