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5 Tips For Caregiving During the Holidays

December 15, 2022
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. For caregiving families, it can also be a time of added stress. If you have elderly loved ones who need care during the holiday season, it is important to be prepared for the challenges that may come up. In this blog post, we will discuss five tips for caregiving during the holidays. Keep these tips in mind to help make the season a little bit easier for everyone!
 

1. Get Organized

With caregiving, it is important to stay organized and plan. Make sure to have a clear schedule for care as well as any holiday activities that your loved one would like to attend. Getting organized can also save you a lot of time and energy! You can allocate certain tasks at specific time frames, making way for your other priorities during the festive season. Additionally, it would be great to have an extra set of hands-on hands in case you need some help during the holidays. 

With great organizational skills, time management comes naturally. The ability to manage time is essential for caregivers who are managing a home, a sick loved one, and their professional obligations at the same time. When you manage your time effectively, you allow yourself to declutter your mind and body. The following tips will help caregivers who feel that 24 hours a day are not enough:
  • Create a to-do list and prioritize your tasks before going to bed.
  • Reduce your stress by having an organized working environment.
  • Be realistic and acknowledge your limitations. Stay positive and honest with yourself. Don't overburden yourself with more responsibilities than you need.
  • Feel free to take breaks whenever you want. You become more focused and energetic after a break.
  • Make sure you take care of yourself. Health is the key to taking care of others.
  • Prepare a contingency plan in case of an emergency. Investigate unforeseen scenarios and have a backup plan ready for all situations that may arise during a crisis.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help. You are not less of a human being if you ask for help.
  • Be aware of the signs of caregiver burnout!
 

2. Maintain the Care Routine

During the holidays, it is easy to veer away from caregiving routines and schedules. However, sticking to a care routine as much as possible is important for your loved one's health and well-being. Make sure to keep meals, medications, and other care tasks regular during the holidays. By setting an efficient care routine, your designated care programs will work like clockwork! 
 

3. Have Backup Plans in Place

In the event of an emergency, it is important to have a plan in place. Have contact information for care providers and family members that can help if needed. It's also a good idea to have backups plans for holiday activities in case something comes up and your loved one isn't able to participate as planned.
 

4. Keep Communication Open

During caregiving, it is important to keep the lines of communication open. Make sure to check in with your care recipient regularly to ensure they are comfortable and taken care of during the holidays. If something isn't right, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Holidays are a great time to get some extra help - even a few hours can make a huge difference. Holiday preparations can be helped by family and friends. Family and friends may be able to help with direct care, or you can use community resources such as adult day care centers, in-home or facility-based respite care, or a paid home health aide.


5. Take Care of Yourself Too

Finally, caregiving can be a difficult and demanding job. Don't forget to take care of your own needs during caregiving as well. Spend some time with friends and family, enjoy the holiday season, and make sure you get plenty of rest. To be an efficient caregiver, self-care should be a top priority! This is also a great way to avoid caregiver burnout. This holiday season, celebrate yourself for doing a great job! 
 

Call BrightStar Care of Conejo today!

You can always contact BrightStar Care of Conejo Valley through our website or at  805-233-3800 or visit us at 370 N. Westlake Blvd. Suite 120 Westlake Village, CA 91362, and speak with one of our experts who will help you get started. Thank you for taking the time to read this!