The holidays are always filled with presents, family, and about a million festivities and obligations. While this time of year can be fun, it’s rarely considered relaxing. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is often very stressful, especially when you combine caring for a loved one with the all the shopping, family gatherings and parties.
If you’re a family caregiver, you’re probably wondering how you’ll be able to check off everything on your to-do list during the holidays. Hillendale’s California home care team has the following tips to help you relax and stay on task.
- Take your shopping online. Shopping for family and friends is unavoidable this time of year, but what is avoidable are crowded shopping malls. Online shopping can be done from home, in the doctor’s office, in the evening while watching TV, etc., and it’s much less stressful than fighting the large holiday crowds.
- Find a “Santa’s helper”. Have a mountain of presents to wrap? Too many holiday cards to write and send? Find a family member or friend who can play Santa’s helper and divide and conquer your holiday chores. If the person you’re caring for feels up to it, have her help in any way that she is able.
- Take some shortcuts in the kitchen. Many people feel the need to go overboard on food during the holidays, but not everything on your table has to be homemade. Be selective about the items that you love to make from scratch, and then round out the menu with some microwavable or pre-made dishes.
Being a family caregiver to an aging or disabled loved one during the holidays can be very stressful, but it doesn’t have to be completely overwhelming. With Hillendale Home Care’s Walnut Creek care team, you’re never alone in your caregiving role. Our respite care services can help family caregivers find the time they need to conquer their to-do lists and get some rest and relaxation. Contact our California home care experts to learn more about our dedicated senior care services.
