If your senior parent has Alzheimer’s, the holidays can be a difficult time. Trying to manage caring for your parent, celebrating having them with you for another holiday season, while also grieving for their decline can take an emotional toll.

Sometimes caregivers feel a lot of pressure to make the holidays perfect because it might be the last one that your mom or dad remembers, or it could be the last time they’re able to participate.

But, the most important thing for family caregivers to do during the holiday season is take care of themselves. Alzheimer’s care at home can help you manage the stress and emotional upheaval that come with the holidays. Use these self-care strategies to make the holiday season as stress-free as possible this year:

Bring in Alzheimer’s Care And Take Some Time Off

You need to make sure that you’re giving yourself extra time off to process the extra stress that’s everywhere during the holidays. Alzheimer’s care at home allows you to take extra time away from caregiving to handle other holiday tasks. Your mom or dad will be well taken care of by a professional caregiver who has training and experience providing support to seniors with Alzheimer’s.

Whether you need to do some holiday shopping, make some holiday treats, or need an extra session each week with your support group or therapist, get Alzheimer’s care at home to take care of your mom or dad so that you can take care of yourself.

Don’t Set Expectations

It can be difficult not to have dreams of family holidays that run perfectly with everyone gathered around the table or opening gifts with no family fights, bad weather, travel delays, or other hiccups. But you’re just setting yourself up for stress and disappointment if you expect a “perfect” holiday. Go into the holidays with gratitude for what is, and don’t worry about trying to be perfect.

Be Realistic

Sometimes family caregivers don’t want to see any changes that have happened in their mom or dad’s cognitive skills. But it’s important to be realistic about where your mom or dad is and what they can reasonably handle. You don’t want to take them to a family gathering that will be overwhelming for them or put them in situations that will be too physically exhausting. The best thing you can do is get Alzheimer’s care at home so that you can attend family gatherings, and they can stay comfortably and happily at home.

Give Yourself Some Grace

It’s ok to be sad during the holidays, or to get upset, or to not want to participate in the holidays at all. Whatever you’re feeling during the holidays is valid. Give yourself some grace and some time to process your emotions, whatever they are. There’s no right or wrong way to get through the holidays if you’re caring for a senior parent with Alzheimer’s.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s care in Hunters Creek, FL, please contact the caring staff at Homewatch CareGivers of Dr. Phillips today! (407) 214-2065

Homewatch CareGivers of Dr. Phillips provides exceptional home care for seniors in Clarcona, Pine Hills, Florida Center North, Hiawassee, Lake Buena Vista, Metro West, Dr. Philips, Windermere, Meadow Woods, Lake Nona, Hunters Creek, Buenaventura Lake, Kissimmee, St. Cloud and surrounding areas.