‘Tis the season of joy and celebration. But for many caregivers, ‘tis the season of increased stress and overwhelming challenge. Aside from the day-to-day responsibilities of work, family and caregiving, there are the added demands of the holiday. Many caregivers they just want the “whole thing to be done with.”

How do we get through the holiday season with more joy and less disappointment while creating new, but admittedly different, happy memories?

7 Tips for Caregivers During the Holiday Season

RETAIN Kentucky, a federally funded program implemented by the University of Kentucky, is expanding services to help thousands of newly injured and ill employees across the Commonwealth stay in the workforce.

Hope is contagious. While the pandemic continues to impact us all, it also does not have to take up all the space in your life. We can embrace it as it is and find meaningful ways to celebrate.

What do you enjoy about this season? You don’t have to celebrate a holiday this season to enjoy the many extra benefits such as store or online sales. Everyone will approach this season from their own lens and with their own experiences. And you know what? That’s OK.

Here are a few reminders of ways to get the most out of this season and beyond:

It’s that time again. Bring on the holiday movies, music, shopping, time with family and friends, specialty drinks at your favorite coffee shop, home and store decorations and yes, time off of work for many of us. Unfortunately, we’d hoped we wouldn’t be reviewing CDC tips for safer ways to celebrate the holiday season again in 2021, but here we are. Even amid the ongoing pandemic, it’s a festive season, so let’s make it the best we can.

Are you a black-or-white thinker that leaves little room for grey? Maybe you find yourself getting discouraged easily, or even giving up on, something you intended to do when you couldn't do it to the maximum? You might have an all-or-nothing mentality.

Are you feeling a certain kind of way but unsure how to describe it or where to start? You're not alone!

During these times of uncertainty, one of the most powerful things you can do is put a name on what you're feeling. Clinical psychologist Dr. Yvette Erasmus has a helpful way to think about our core needs. She writes, "instead of just saying 'needs,' depending on the context, it may be easier to use phrases like intrinsic motivators, values, desires, hungers, drives, or just getting to the essence of what matters." 

The mental, physical and financial burdens of caregiving create a high risk for caregiver burnout.

Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional or mental exhaustion that can create negative and concerning mental states and attitudes. Burnout occurs when caregivers don’t get the help or support they need, and when the demands on a caregiver’s mind, body and emotions are overwhelming. Once a caregiver begins to feel the effects of burnout, it becomes difficult to care for themselves and their loved one.

Common signs of caregiver burnout:

Caring for a person with dementia is a journey of uncertainty, day-to-day frustration, vexing challenges and grief. Care partners can easily become overwhelmed with the responsibilities of their personal, family, professional and caregiving duties. And those with dementia may be frightened of the changes they are experiencing and how those changes affect their ability to participate in everyday life.

Dementia is progressive; your loved one’s abilities to function in the world will decline.

Whew, here we go parents. Another school year has begun. It is already shaping up to be one of a kind. Depending on how your child views school and their desire to attend, back to school may be a bit stressful.