The winter holiday season has finally arrived. As we look forward to spending time with friends and family, shopping, and enjoying our favorite holiday meals, we also experience some shake-up in our routines. These changes are often more acutely felt by the elderly. Being prepared for the holidays will make your job as a family caregiver easier to manage. It will also ensure your loved one stays comfortable and content through what is often a chaotic time. Below are tips that will help you prepare for a joyful and comfortable holiday season:
Encourage Healthy Eating
Indulging in delicious dishes is one of the most sacred
holiday traditions. Not only do these nostalgic flavors bring back marvelous
memories, but they also bring the family together in a shared experience that
shouldn’t be denied to seniors.
It’s essential to keep an eye on balance throughout the
holidays. Holiday meals are special occasions to look forward to, not to
stretch out for days on end. In between those rich holiday meals, make sure
your loved one has something light and nutritious within reach. They’ll feel
better physically and have an easier time sticking to their doctor’s dietary
guidelines.
Make Exercising a Holiday Ritual
The cooler winter months often lead us toward a more
sedentary lifestyle, even as our calorie intake increases thanks to the
holidays. While it’s normal to want to spend more cozy time indoors as the
weather cools off, less movement can make us feel more sluggish. It can also
trigger a spell of the holiday blues.
Ensure your loved one benefits from exercise by making fun
physical activities part of their holiday experience. For example, you could
have the whole family bundle up and go for a brisk walk around the neighborhood
after each family meal. Or, you can help your loved one get in the holiday
spirit by doing a few laps around the mall while window shopping. Spending time
in nature and watching the leaves change colors is also a great way to enjoy
being active.
Manage Gift-Related Financial Stress
Many seniors love to dote on their children and
grandchildren with holiday gifts. Unfortunately, those on a fixed income often
feel the financial strain as they struggle with the desire to be generous
within their limited means. To minimize stress for all your family members,
including seniors, suggest opting for a “Secret Santa” or “white elephant” gift
exchange so everyone can experience the joy of giving without going over
budget.
Prevent Falls While Visiting Family
The last thing you want is for your loved one’s holiday joy
to be marred by a dangerous fall. If they visit other family members this
season, take time to practice
fall prevention to make the home safe and accessible. This could
include removing rugs that present a fall hazard and installing nightlights if
the senior stays overnight.
Take a Break
The holidays can be a stressful, chaotic time, especially
for those who are constantly on the go. As a family caregiver, it’s crucial to
remain aware of your stress levels and take time off from your caregiving
duties as needed.
One of the best ways to make your health and well-being a
priority during this busy season is to book respite care visits
from a professional
elder care provider. Being proactive about meeting your own self-care
needs will make this time of year much more enjoyable and give you the energy
required to provide the quality of care your loved one deserves.
For more information about in-home elder care services,
please contact Visiting Angels Newton/Canton at 617-795-2727.
About Visiting Angels
Newton/Canton
Visiting Angels Newton/Canton MA has been
providing high-caliber in-home care
services for seniors and people with disabilities for over eighteen
years. Countless families have benefited from our at-home living assistance,
companion care, respite support, live-in and 24/7 home
care, dementia and Alzheimer’s care, transitional aid, and private
duty care services in Natick, Wellesley, Dedham, Needham, Stoughton, Brookline,
Canton, Watertown, Jamaica Plain, Newton, Norwood, Roslindale, Upper Back Bay,
Westwood, and neighboring communities. As a result of our exemplary home care
service, Visiting Angels Newton/Canton has won the Best of Home
Care Leader in Excellence Award; the Best of Home Care Provider of Choice
Award; and the Best of Home Care Employer of Choice Award from the national
client satisfaction survey firm, Home Care Pulse, for six years. We have been
honored to receive the Boston Globe’s Top Places to Work award for seven years
and one of the 10 best places to work in Massachusetts in 2021 based on
diversity and inclusion. Our dedicated
and well-trained caregivers love their CNA jobs and HHA jobs.
