In past blogs, I’ve talked about how the holidays are bittersweet for many caregivers, with the increased stress levels and happy memories of the past contrasting with the difficulties of the present.  These extra demands on time and energy can seem overwhelming both to you and your aging parent.

Try to create a balance between rest and activity. In order to keep up with family traditions, take time to assess how important these traditions are and how they affect your responsibilities of caring for your aging parent - especially when your parent has Alzheimer’s or other chronic illnesses such as diabetes, CHF, or arthritis. 

Start early and write down activities that are important to you. As you are making your calendar remember to:
  • Keep or adapt family traditions that are important to you
  • Include your aging parent as much as possible
  • Recognize that things will be different
  • Encourage friends and family to visit you this year to limit the number of trips you have to arrange for your aging parent
  • If your parent has Alzheimer’s, avoid crowds, changes in routine, and strange surroundings that may cause confusion or agitation 
  • Do your best to enjoy yourself
  • Try to find time for the holiday things you like to do, even if it means asking a friend or family member to spend time with your aging parent while you are out
  • If there are occasions that are large events, try to have a space available where your parent can rest, be alone for awhile, or spend some time with a smaller number of people, if needed.

Most importantly:

  • Have realistic expectations about what you can do
  • Take care of your needs and keep it as simple as possible!

For more information on caregiving, you may want to visit the National Institute on Aging and explore their available publications.