Caregiver Burnout: Steps for Coping with Stress During the Holidays

The holiday season can be a time of great joy, but it also brings its fair share of stress. When you’re already dealing with the pressure of being a caregiver, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

These strategies can help you reclaim everything you love about the holiday season without suffering caregiver burnout.

Plan Schedules in Advance

Map out upcoming doctor’s appointments, tests, bill due dates and other important responsibilities you have to address during the holiday season. Try to check off any to-dos you can before Thanksgiving, and arrange help in advance to give yourself breathing room if you can.

Work out a schedule to ensure everything gets done in a timely manner so you don’t feel like you’re crunched for time when preparations for the holidays are in full swing.

If you know your schedule is going to fill up fast, don’t be afraid to reach out for professional help. During the fall and winter, it’s very common for families to hire in-home caregivers to help with daily living tasks for loved ones.

At Caring Home Care our certified in-home caregivers are able to help with:

Cleaning and meal preparation
Assistance with bathing and toileting
Help with dressing and grooming
Escorting to-and-from appointments
Grocery shopping and more

Learn more about our in-home care services today.

Resolve to Do Less

If you normally go “all-out” decking the halls for the winter or turning the Thanksgiving table into a pilgrim’s paradise, consider pulling back a bit this year. Let other family members do the hosting, and don’t feel bad about saying no to party invitations or potluck dinner requests.

Think about which parts of the holidays are most important to you, like spending time with your family and the loved one you care for, and put your time and energy toward making that happen.

Adjust Your Activities

Ask your loved one what he or she wants to do over the holidays, and make plans to do it. Whether it’s baking a batch of his or her favorite cookies or looking through photo albums from holidays past, you’ll both cherish the time you spend together.

Consider Catering or Cooking Help

Do you know someone who loves to cook and wouldn’t mind helping you get the big holiday meals on the table? Call the aspiring chefs you know, and explain your situation. If nobody comes to mind, check local businesses, including restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores, for catering and other prepared meal options. You can get all the flavors of the holidays for a lot less work, which frees you up to prepare just one favorite or signature dish for your gathering.

Fostering a calm atmosphere for the holiday season lets you, your loved one and the rest of the family experience all the best of your favorite time of year without added stress or strain. When you simplify and focus on what’s really important, stress stays at a minimum and everyone has a happier time of celebration.

If you need a little extra help this holiday season, Caring Home Care is here for you! Our certified caregivers can meet your loved one’s needs while you concentrate on preparing for the holidays. Learn more about our caregivers today!