Health Notes » A Gift for Caregivers

The holiday season may be more stressful and less joyful for many family caregivers. Because caregivers are often overwhelmed with the responsibilities of caring for a chronically ill loved one, the holiday season may seem like one more difficult hurdle to overcome.

Following are some suggestions that may help make the holidays more enjoyable for the caregiver as well as for the care receiver.

Be clear about your limits

Let family members know that your caregiving duties keep you very busy and that you have limited energy for holiday gatherings and need to set limits on your involvement. Open and honest communication about the realities of the caregiving situation you face offers others the opportunity to respond with assistance.

Accept that holiday traditions may change

Caregivers often have to adapt their traditional role or experience of the holidays. Choose which events to host or attend based on which would be the simplest, least exhausting and most enjoyable for the person for whom you provide care, and for you.

Share your wish list

Respite: Some caregivers ask for time off from caregiving duties as a gift. This could mean another family member gives you a break now or in the future. If this is not possible, they might consider paying for a home care worker or a stay at a respite facility.

Home repairs: Do light bulbs need changing, or grab bars need installation? Junk in the garage needs to go to the dump? Tasks may be the perfect way for a family member to help if providing personal care is too uncomfortable.

Care for you!

How about a gift certificate for a massage, facial or manicure? How about an opportunity to spend the day fishing or a walk in the outdoors? Take it easy, don't expect too much and continue to accept help throughout the year. Holidays may illuminate the problems associated with caring for the chronically ill. Consider taking a Powerful Tools for Caregivers six-week class where you can learn tools to better care for yourself as you manage the challenges of caregiving. Contact Legacy Caregiver Services at 503-413-8018.

Our thanks to guest contributor Kathy Shannon.

Kathy Shannon has over 25 years of experience managing health and human service organizations. For the past 10 years, her concentration has been in the areas of program development, training and quality improvement for programs serving the frail elderly. She currently manages Legacy Caregiver Services, an array of programs designed to assist the family caregiver. These services include information and referral, paid caregiver training, a registry listing of available paid respite workers, adult daycare services and classes to impart tools to the caregiver that will help them take better care of themselves while caring for a loved one. Contact Legacy Caregiver Services at 503-413-8018.