Family caregivers can feel overwhelmed year round, but when the holidays roll around they may be under additional stress due to an increase in responsibilities. In order to enjoy the season, without burning out, caregivers should consider the following tips.

1.    Set realistic expectations – caregivers can make a list of what they need to accomplish each day; considering care responsibilities, holiday related tasks, social activities, and other obligations. When planning and setting these goals, they need to make time in every day for them, just to relax, unwind and take in the joy of the season.

2.    Ask for help – caregivers can have the senior take part in the holiday activities. Just because they provide care, doesn’t mean they can’t ask for help. Have the senior help with tasks that will not be too physically or mentally challenging for them, and try to choose tasks that they might enjoy; such as decorating, baking, or wrapping gifts. Ask other family members to provide respite care for the senior when responsibilities are getting to be too much.

3.    Hire a professional – caregivers don’t need to do it all alone, if they are finding their combined responsibilities with the holidays are making the season too busy or stressful, they can hire a professional caregiver to assist with the care of a senior. These professionals can be used as much or as little as needed.

4.    Remember seniors tire quickly – while caregivers may find it easy to drag their care recipient along to complete the many holiday tasks they need to accomplish, it’s important to remember that people tire more quickly with age, and therefore seniors should be given the opportunity to rest and relax. During these periods, a caregiver should take the time to focus on themselves.

5.    Recognize your emotions – caregivers may push aside their own emotions and physical signs of stress to get through the holidays, but they should pay attention to these signals and remember to slow down and step back.

6.    Celebrate – it’s easy to get caught up in the busy season, but caregivers also deserve the opportunity to celebrate the holiday. Instead of focusing on everything that needs to be done, caregivers should instead focus on spending time with family and enjoying themselves.

Source: http://homehealthcarebooks.com/healthcareblog/2007/12/19/holiday-help-relieving-caregivers%E2%80%99-stress/