{"id":163,"date":"2017-12-08T09:43:44","date_gmt":"2017-12-08T14:43:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.verveseniorliving.com\/news-events-blog\/?p=163"},"modified":"2022-10-04T14:06:59","modified_gmt":"2022-10-04T14:06:59","slug":"caregiver-tips-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/verveseniorliving.com\/news-events-blog\/caregiver-tips-holidays\/","title":{"rendered":"Caregiver Tips for the Holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"

(From the Alzheimers Society Blog<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Written in collaboration between the\u00a0Alzheimer Society of Canada<\/a>, the\u00a0Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Parkinson Canada<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

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The leaves are changing, the days are feeling frosty, and decorations are making their way across homes and storefronts. Though the holiday season is enjoyable for many, it can be a stressful time for families affected by\u00a0Alzheimer\u2019s disease<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0other dementias<\/a>, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson\u2019s disease. Unfamiliar places, large groups of people, noise, and a hectic pace can bring feelings of anxiety, fatigue, and\u00a0depression<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As a caregiver, this adds to the other challenges you may be facing. For example, you may find that seasonal obligations are pulling you in multiple directions and adding to\u00a0your stress level<\/a>. Finding the time and energy to buy gifts, visit others, and even feel \u201cthe holiday spirit\u201d can be difficult as the commitments layer on.<\/p>\n

So how can you make the coming holidays a time to enjoy and connect with family and friends for you and the person living with the disease? Here are some tips that can help make the holidays more enjoyable\u2014for everyone:<\/p>\n

Make a simple wish list<\/h2>\n

To help you manage some of the holiday stress, try to plan as much as you can ahead of time. Creating a list of simple and straightforward goals will allow you to set realistic expectations for yourself and the person you care for, and prioritize the occasions and traditions that are most important to you and your family.<\/p>\n

Some items to consider include:<\/p>\n