Families and their elderly loved ones anticipate the joys of the holidays. The season, however, can be tinged with dread for caregivers. During this time of year, caregivers are fraught with stress as they juggle extra responsibilities. Here are 10 ways to avoid burnout and enjoy the holidays.

How does stress increase during the holidays?

Large family gatherings demand extensive planning. An assortment of gifts must be purchased, wrapped, and neatly tucked under the holiday tree. A smorgasbord of sumptuous meals must be prepared and travel itineraries need to be finalized in advance of the busy travel season.

Caregivers are tasked with all these responsibilities plus their care duties toward an aging loved one. The stresses mount as the holidays approach, leaving even the most dedicated caregivers feeling overwhelmed and frazzled. Caregiver burnout is known to manifest during this festive time of year.

When the caregiver experiences burnout, their personal health suffers. Exhaustion, illness, and negativity arise in the caregiver who has too much to juggle. The caregiver-care recipient relationship consequently becomes strained at a time when a healthy relationship should be paramount.

How do caregivers avoid burnout during the holidays?

It’s critical for the caregiver’s well-being and that of their elderly loved one that the former manages their workload effectively. The caregiver is advised to prioritize their emotional, physical, and social health, especially during the holiday season when extra pressures mount.

1. Ask for help

Most caregivers honestly admit that they are unable to handle everything on their own during the holidays. When the burden of caregiving becomes too heavy, exhausted caregivers are vulnerable to social withdrawal and avoidance of holiday celebrations.

Caregivers deserve to enjoy the holiday season. One way they can embrace the holiday spirit is to ask friends and relatives for help. A cousin can pick up a few gifts while shopping for their own. A neighbor might stay with the senior while the caregiver enjoys a holiday event.

2. Scale back

Decorating the holiday tree with zeal may have been at the top of the list. But caregiving can make it necessary for caregivers to tone down the holiday decorations. Seniors with dementia, for instance, can feel fear at the sight of a life-sized snowman or mistake a holiday ornament for an edible piece of fruit.

3. Adapt

Similarly, families may have attended grand holiday events in prior years. Upon assuming the role of caregiver, adjustments must be made. Seniors with mobility issues may have trouble walking through paths lined with beautifully lit trees. Caregivers adapt by rolling the elderly loved one in a wheelchair.

4. Modify traditions

It may be necessary to modify holiday traditions to accommodate everyone. Avoid caregiver burnout by creating new traditions that work better for the current situation. Aging adults may respond well to quiet evenings watching holiday movies or flipping through the pages of family photo albums.

5. Host differently

Given the numerous caregiving tasks, a caregiver has little time to host a formal holiday dinner. Instead of risking burnout by preparing an array of food, opt for a potluck where guests bring in an assortment of their favorite holiday dishes; alternately, host a more manageable cocktail party.

6. Set achievable goals

Caregiver burnout is certain to occur when a caregiver is unable to say “no” to the flurry of invitations and demands of the holiday season. By setting reasonable goals and declining requests that they are unable to fulfill this year, a caregiver avoids burnout.

7. Simplify gift-giving

Gifts galore are an important part of the holidays. But shopping can be tiresome for a caregiver who is already consumed by caregiving responsibilities. Adapt by shopping online or buying festive gift cards—both of which are low-stress ways of showing people how much they care.

8. Practice self-care

With the bustle of the holidays, caregivers can easily neglect self-care tasks. Especially when the days and nights are crammed with responsibilities, make time for sleep, leisure, and exercise. Soak in the sun, relax with aromatherapy, or take a walk to elevate mood and reduce stress.

9. Develop a positive mindset

Caregiving becomes more challenging when caregivers hold a mindset of negativity. Rather than see what an aging care recipient can no longer do, become aware of all the large and small goals they achieve. Staying positive makes the holidays more enjoyable for everyone.

Reduce the risk of caregiver burnout during the holidays by making small changes in routines and mindsets. Leaning on a support system is incredibly beneficial not only during the holidays but every time of year. Friends, family, adult day centers, and home care agencies are invaluable.

Especially during the busy holiday period, incorporate respite care from a reputable home care agency, like Assisting Hands Home Care. Our professional caregivers resume care where the family caregiver leaves off, thereby ensuring the continuation of quality care and attention.

We handle a wide variety of non-medical care tasks to promote the holistic health of your aging loved one. Caregivers assist seniors with personal hygiene tasks, prepare nutritious meals, give timely medication reminders, perform light housekeeping, and serve as pleasant companions.

Respite care from our elder care agency provides vital relief to the family caregiver. You have an opportunity to engage in enjoyable activities that support your physical, emotional, and social health. As a result, you return to caregiving duties rejuvenated and with a renewed outlook.

In preparation for the upcoming holidays, rely on senior home care you can trust. Assisting Hands Home Care is available during the holiday season as well as every other time of year. We serve BallenIsles, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Singer Island, Wellington, West Palm Beach, FL, and the neighboring areas. Call us today at (561) 566-5989 to schedule your free in-home consultation.