Holiday Support with Seniors

Preparing for the Holidays as a Caregiver

At MedTec, we hope that all of our caregivers and clients have a wonderful set of holidays! At the same time, we want to be conscious that the holidays may not be easy or joyous for everyone. For those with senior loved ones, there are a few challenges we want to be mindful of:

• Loneliness - For seniors living alone, the holiday season can be especially lonely, as family and friends may be busy with their own holiday plans. This can lead to feelings of depression or isolation.

• Limited Mobility - Seniors with mobility issues may find it difficult to attend family gatherings or holiday events, leading to further isolation.

• Grief and Loss - The holiday season can bring up feelings of sadness or grief for seniors who have lost loved ones, leading to emotional distress.

Meanwhile, for our caregivers who are caring for a family member, we know you work 24/7 and the holidays just add more logistics & expectations to manage. The top sources of caregiver stress we've seen come from:

• Family Tensions -  Holiday gatherings can sometimes bring unresolved family conflict, which can cause additional stress for both seniors and caregivers.

• Holiday Expectations - Family caregivers may feel torn between providing support for their loved one and fulfilling traditional holiday roles or managing their own family obligations.

• Lack of Support - If extended family members are unavailable or unaware of the caregiving situation, the primary caregiver may feel isolated and unsupported.

What are the top tips we have so you can have a happy holidays?

• Grief or Memory Loss - Holidays can bring up memories of lost loved ones or previous celebrations. If your senior loved one has difficulty remembering or recognizing people, this can be painful for both them and their family. Be patient and understanding. Reassure them and acknowledge their feelings without pressuring them to participate in everything.

• Stress and Anxiety - The holiday season can be stressful for caregivers and seniors alike. If you notice signs of distress in your loved one such as agitation, sadness, or confusion, try to help them relax. Use calming music, deep breathing, or quiet time to reduce anxiety.

• Consistency- Seniors, especially those with dementia or cognitive decline, thrive on routine. The holiday season often disrupts regular activities, which can be confusing or stressful. Try to keep meal times, bedtime, and medication schedules as consistent as possible.

• Simplify Activities - Focus on familiar traditions that don’t require major changes. This can help reduce anxiety and confusion for seniors who might be overwhelmed by new or complex activities.

• For those with a loved one who is dealing with dementia... please see below for more specialized tips

Dementia Clients & their Caregivers: Preparing for the holidays

While planning for the holidays may be stressful enough, those helping a family member or client with dementia face some difficult decisions which go beyond just logistics. For example, should I still invite mom / dad if it seems like "too much" for them? We know it's hard to be in our caregivers' shoes. Thank you for trying so hard to create a positive experience for your loved one(s). You're amazing.

For those who are going through it and may need some support, please see the few tips below in the video and bullets. If you're finding yourself going through a tough time, please call us at 847-470-4701. We'd be happy to listen.

Dementia Based Challenges:

• Confusion and Anxiety - People with dementia often rely on a consistent daily routine for comfort. The holidays, with their changes in schedule, special events, and travel, can cause significant confusion and anxiety. This disruption can lead to increased agitation or behavioral issues.

• Sleep Disruptions - The irregularity of holiday events, late nights, or travel can interfere with their sleep patterns, leading to fatigue, confusion, and increased difficulty in managing their dementia symptoms.

• Increased Agitation -  The confusion and stress associated with the holidays may trigger increased agitation or aggressive behavior in individuals with dementia.

• Mood Swings and Depression - Some individuals with dementia may become more depressed, withdrawn, or anxious during the holidays, especially if they are dealing with grief or a sense of loss. The holiday season can amplify feelings of sadness or confusion.

• Loss of Recognition -  Seniors with advanced dementia may not recognize familiar family members, including children, grandchildren, or even a spouse. This can be emotionally painful for both the individual with dementia and their loved ones.

Possible Ways to Alleviate the Challenges:

• Talk to family members and caregivers about expectations and how to simplify holiday traditions to accommodate the needs of the person with dementia.

• Caregivers should acknowledge their feelings of stress or exhaustion and seek support from family, friends, or agency.

• Keep activities simple and engaging, focusing on what the person can still enjoy.

• Begin early with advanced preparation so it can allow more time for the caregiver to accomplish what needs to be done

• Remember to take care of yourself. Find personal time. Even an hour can make a difference.

We found this ~20 min video helpful on preparing for the holidays when you have a client with dementia and hope you do as well