Caring at Christmas

Written By Prof. June Andrews

When you are caring for someone, the holiday time can present difficulties. This message is to remind all carers that you deserve a Christmas break too. It’s more likely to happen if you get some help. Here’s a letter to Santa for you to cut out and keep…or rather NOT keep. Give it to your nearest and dearest, even the not so dearest, and make sure people know that they can help. You deserve help. But you must ask for it.

MY SANTA LIST FOR THIS HOLIDAY TIME!

1. Acknowledge My Efforts

·       Show appreciation. A simple note, card, or a heartfelt thank-you can mean a lot.

2. Offer Respite Care

·       Arrange for a few hours or even a day of respite care so I can have time to relax, recharge, or enjoy holiday activities.

3. Help with Holiday Preparations

·       Assist with tasks like decorating, cooking, or gift wrapping, as these can be overwhelming for someone already managing caregiving duties.

4. Simplify Festivities

·       Encourage simpler celebrations that reduce stress, like fewer decorations or smaller, quieter gatherings to accommodate the needs of the person with dementia.

5. Be a Listening Ear

·       Provide a safe space for me to share my feelings, frustrations, or concerns without judgment.

6. Provide Practical Help

·       Offer to run errands, prepare meals, or help with cleaning.

7. Include Them in Celebrations

·       Make sure both me as a carer and the person with dementia feel included in holiday traditions, adapting activities to their comfort levels.

8. Encourage Self-Care

·       Remind me to take care of their own physical and mental health, and suggest ways to relax, such as yoga, meditation, or a warm bath.

9. Educate Friends and Family

·       Share tips with other relatives and friends on how to interact positively with someone with dementia to create a more supportive environment.

10. Give Meaningful Gifts

·       Consider gifts such as massage vouchers, meal delivery services, or things that are really needed, or just ask me!

Wishing you a happy holiday and all the best for the New Year. And sending my personal thanks for all you do as a carer!!!

Prof. June Andrews

“Professor June Andrews FRCN FCGI is an inspirational woman whose impact on healthcare in the UK, and further afield, is considerable. She works independently to improve dementia care and health and social care of older people.”

https://juneandrews.net
Next

You can already maximise your autonomy at the end of life.