The holidays are the perfect time to get together with family and friends, but it’s not always the most relaxing time of year. The hectic pace of the holiday season, from shopping to social events to family gatherings, can be highly stressful, and when you’ve got someone you love to care for, your own tasks can fall by the wayside.
Wondering how you’ll get everything on your to-do list completed in time for the holidays? Try these tips for holiday time management for caregivers.
- Don’t spread yourself too thin in the kitchen. It’s tempting to go above and beyond for holiday meals, but not everything on your table has to be homemade. Pick one or two selections for your holiday menu that you would like to make from scratch, and utilize some microwavable or pre-made dishes to round out the table and save you time.
- Shop online, and avoid the lines. Going out to a crowded mall can be difficult this time of year, particularly when you have an older family member in your care. Online shopping can be done from nearly anywhere, in the doctor’s office, late at night while watching television, etc., and is quite a bit less stressful than struggling through the large holiday crowds.
- Don’t do it alone. Unsure how you’ll write out all of your holiday cards? Too many gifts to wrap? Find a family member or friend who can help wrap gifts. Reserve an afternoon to visit, sip hot cocoa, and write out all of your holiday cards together with your senior family member assisting in whatever way they can.
Did you know an in-home caregiver can help with holiday time management for caregivers? Not only can we take care of errands like grocery shopping, prepare delicious meals, and help with gift wrapping and decorating the home, but we also love taking older adults out holiday shopping! Our caregivers are always available to make each day during the holiday season – and beyond – brighter and happier for the seniors we serve, while allowing family care providers to take much-needed time away from their care duties.
Being a caregiver during the holiday season can be intimidating, but it doesn’t need to stress you out. With Happier Home Care, you’re never alone in your role as a caregiver. Reach out to our home care team to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation to learn more about the many ways we can help you and an older adult you love with our elder care in Pasadena and the nearby areas. From all of us at Happier Home Care, we wish you and your family the happiest of holidays and all the best in the coming year!