It’s sneaky, the way holiday stress can suddenly cause burnout, because you’re used to managing caregiver stress anyway and you haven’t even had a moment to realize it’s beginning to escalate. Watch for these warning signs, then take the necessary steps to minimize the holiday stress so you won’t be overwhelmed.
• Feeling emotionally or physically exhausted
• Feeling agitated or angry or irritated by your loved one, not the situation
• Feeling like you want to just isolate during the holiday season
• Feeling anxiety, helplessness, hopeless
• Feeling physical symptoms like headache, body or stomach aches
All the extra preparations, interactions with family, tasks start to pile up. You already have limited time, but you have to shop, prepare traditions for the celebration, figure out schedules and more. In addition, holidays can mean spending increases and caregiving may already be a financial stress.
You know about the advice to carve out time for yourself but you’re so overwhelmed it seems impossible. But it’s really getting hectic and you really can’t afford not to prioritize some self-care—or you will need a caregiver!
Try these tips:
• Keep yourself healthy by eating right—avoid the junk, get your rest through short intervals, go to bed at a regular time, avoid alcohol, opt for mocktails.
• Be realistic—you can’t do everything, let some tasks or traditions go; focus on which matter the most.
• Ask so you can receive help and support from family and friends this season; if the celebration is at your home then everyone can bring something and taking care of the loved one during the time together.
• Don’t feel guilty when you need to say no to some requests or expectations—your health has to come first.
• Let family know what you can and cannot handle; let go of the pressure to make everything perfect or how it’s always been.
Attend a support group session! If you simply cannot attend the December sessions we offerthen make a plan for January—it will give you hope. While the family is gathered and getting a better understanding of being a full-time caregiver, ask for someone to come in at 10 a.m. on a 4thTuesday so you can attend the Alzheimer and Dementia Support Group at Residences at Coffee Creek if you live near Chesterton. The Parkinson’s Support Group and Exercise Program meetsevery Wednesday at 10 a.m.
If you live closer to Schererville, Residences at Deer Creek offers Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group at 10 a.m. every 3rd Saturday and every 4th Thursday.
Resolve to give yourself a special caregiver gift—attend a support group for sharing and most importantly, caring—about yourself without the guilt!