For many individuals, holidays are a time of joy. Families get together to share meals, gifts, songs, stories, and more. Things can be very stressful and even painful, however, if one of those family members is affected by dementia, mobility issues, etc. In situations like this, caregivers are frequently required. For those caregivers, however, holidays can be even more stressful and harder than other days.
Is there a way to provide some kind of relief to caregivers, particularly around the holidays? After all, chances are, they have friends and family with whom they\’d love to spend the holidays. If they are stressed out, even when they\’re not caring for an individual, that\’s not good for anybody.
Caregivers may be hired from an agency, privately acquired, or be a member of the family. Regardless, let\’s look at some ways to make life a little nicer for caregivers so they can enjoy the holidays, too. For you caregivers, the following applies to you as well. You can only relieve stress if you make the effort.
Preparation
Walking into any situation prepared is always better than walking into a situation after having to attend to last-minute, panicked details. Prepare ahead of time for any potential mishap, whenever possible. Will you always be prepared? Absolutely not. But by putting forth the effort to expect the unexpected and plan ahead, life will be easier for all parties involved.
Alternatives to Shopping
A lot goes into getting ready for an outing – even if it’s just a trip to Walmart. Now, more than ever, people are foregoing trips to brick-and-mortar stores and opting for shopping from the comfort of their recliner, couch, wheelchair, or bed. There are more sites to shop than ever before in history! Whatever it is, today, it can be found on the Internet.
Organization
Organizing holiday celebrations, in order to make them easier and less stressful, can be accomplished by using something we\’ve all become very used to in the last year – virtual visits. It\’s very stressful trying to get someone ready for an in-person visit. Some more than others. For a virtual event, however – as you\’ve probably seen on television commercials – you don\’t even have to wear pants! Comb your hair, put on a nice shirt, and you’re done.
Gifts
Gifts can be enjoyed by the people who give them and those who receive them. For your caregiver, consider gifting them with a coupon for an entire day off from their duties. Maybe an entire weekend!
Caregivers, you should use that coupon to pamper yourself. Get a pedicure, manicure, facial, a massage – what have you. Do something you\’ve been wanting to do but have been putting it off.
Make Your Home More Accessible
One of the biggest reasons so many people depend on caregivers is because the person needing care has difficulty with mobility. Some people can\’t climb stairs or are wheelchair-bound and, therefore, have a lot of trouble getting in and out of their home, accessing second floor rooms, and more.
In addition to making things a little easier for your caregiver, you can increase your mobility, regain some of your independence, and improve accessibility in your home with one of our stairlifts or wheelchair lifts.
We have numerous models that work on straight staircases, but also have devices that will work on curved stairways. Additionally, we have wheelchair elevators, if that would better suit your needs.
Contact us to find out more today!
