While Thanksgiving offers an opportunity to enjoy spending time with your loved ones — sharing delicious food and holiday spirit — for many caregivers, the holidays can be a challenging period.
The pressure of balancing caregiving duties with holiday celebrations can quickly lead to stress, leaving caregivers feeling overwhelmed.
At Clara, we understand the unique pressures that caregivers face during the holidays. As you prepare for Thanksgiving, we want to offer some practical tips for managing stress and finding moments of peace. After all, caregiving is a labor of love, and it’s essential to care for yourself as much as you care for others.
1. Communicate Your Needs & Ask for Help
Caring for a senior loved one can sometimes feel isolating, especially during the busy holiday season. It’s essential to communicate openly with family and friends about how you’re feeling. Sharing your needs — whether it’s extra help with caregiving or a need for emotional support — can foster understanding and prevent feelings of isolation.
Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it can be an empowering decision. Enlist family members or hire a professional in-home aide to assist you during the busier days.
Tip: Set aside time to talk with your support network and let others know if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Ask family members and friends to pitch in with holiday preparations or care duties.
You might also want to start thinking about hiring an in-home aide. You can learn about the different types of home health care here and more about when and how many hours to hire in home care for your loved one here.
2. Create Holiday Traditions that Include Your Loved One
The holidays are a time for traditions! You can adapt traditional holiday activities to suit your loved one’s needs — whether it's watching holiday movies, decorating together, or sharing a special meal, making your loved one part of the celebration can reduce stress and create beautiful memories.
Tip: Select some traditional activities in which your loved one can participate. For instance, if they love music, consider creating a playlist of their favorite holiday tunes. Engaging in these activities will not only brighten their day but also provide you with moments of connection.
3. Set Realistic Expectations
The holidays can come with high expectations, from preparing the perfect meal to coordinating family gatherings. However, as a caregiver, it’s important to acknowledge that it’s okay to scale back and prioritize what truly matters. Setting realistic expectations for yourself will help prevent burnout.
Tip: Focus on the moments that will bring joy — whether it’s a quiet afternoon with your loved one or a small family gathering. Don’t feel pressured to meet every holiday expectation.
4. Schedule Downtime for Yourself
Caregivers often put their own needs last, but this can quickly lead to physical and emotional exhaustion. It’s crucial to schedule some downtime for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes to relax and recharge. This holiday season, prioritize your well-being so that you can continue providing the best care for your loved one.
Tip: Whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or practicing meditation, carve out moments of stillness. These small breaks can help you feel more centered, allowing you to find more moments to enjoy the holidays while balancing your caregiving responsibilities.
Remember that hiring in-home care can be an empowering decision for prioritizing your own well-being — and Clara's Care Advisors are here to help guide you through every step of the way.
5. Manage Family Expectations
The holiday season often brings family together, and while this is a time of joy, it can also be a time of anxiety for caregivers. If your loved one has a condition that may affect their behavior, mobility, or cognitive abilities, it’s important to gently manage your family’s expectations before they arrive for the holidays.
Communicating openly with family members can prevent confusion or surprise reactions, ensuring that everyone is on the same page about your loved one’s needs and abilities. Setting these expectations not only helps your family be more compassionate, but can also alleviate the pressure on you and your loved one. Your family or friends might be more prepared to pitch in to help or more understanding of changes in activities if you communicate with them about your loved one’s needs in advance.
Tip: Take some time in the days leading up to the holidays to talk to family members about your loved one’s current condition. You can share updates about any recent changes in their health, routine, or behavior, and provide guidance on how best to support them during the gathering.
Conclusion
The holiday season is a time for connection, but it can also be overwhelming for those who are balancing caregiving with traditional celebrations. By setting boundaries, asking for help, carving out moments of downtime, and adapting holiday traditions, caregivers can find more joy and peace during this busy time.
This Thanksgiving, take a moment to acknowledge the incredible work you do, and be kind to yourself.
