As if the day-to-day routines of care giving arent tiring enough, the holidays bring extra burdens. Even caregivers who love gift-giving and cooking traditions can feel like they cant do one more thing on top of everything else.
People want to help caregivers, but they dont always know how. Caregivers may be in over their heads during the holidays and need a hand, but not want to bother others whom they presume are busy with their own activities. It is ideal if both sides reach out to each other, but if the caregiver does not bring it up, go ahead and try some of these tactics to lessen the isolation of caregiver and care receiver.
Gift certificates, for instance for a convenient restaurant that has carry out or delivery service, are one way to express appreciation and support.
But here are some things you can do to help that just take time and your positive energy.
-Bake exta holiday cookies to share and take over a variety so that the caregiver can also share them with any company that might drop by.
-Tell caregivers you know when you are going to the grocery store and offer to bring back supplies or something special.
-Offer respite for a few hours by volunteering to sit with the homebound family member so the caregiver can get out and shop or do something for herself.
-Invite the caregiver and care receiver, if mobile, to your home or out for coffee or an event; make a point to include them both in your holiday socializing.
-Offer to put up lights or decorate.
-Help wrap gifts.
-Dont even ask: if it snows, snowblow or shovel the caregivers sidewalk and driveway and dont forget the ramp.
-Walk pets or visit with the care receiver so the caregiver can get out for some exercise
