88 | HealthLinksSC.com HEALTHLINKS IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH THESE CHARLESTON AREA NONPROFITS A CAREGIVER’S GUIDE TO SUCCESSFULLY NAVIGATING THE HOLIDAYS Perhaps no other time of the year creates such a clash between expectations and reality as the winter holidays. Hallmark movies may provide beautiful scenery, lovable characters and a happy ending, but, for South Carolina’s 216,000 unpaid personal caregivers, the reality of caring for a spouse or parent with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can sometimes feel more like an episode of “Survivor” – without the anticipated happy ending. In its recent report, “2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures,” the Alzheimer’s Association listed 355,000,000 hours of unpaid care given by family members in South Carolina in 2022. Each week, these caregivers devoted more than 30 hours to the complex mental, emotional and physical care of a spouse or parent suffering with Alzheimer’s disease or some other form of dementia. Typically, 25% of family caregivers are part of the “sandwich generation,” squeezed between caring for an older adult while still working a full-time job and raising children at home. Another 30% are past the age of 65. This combination of increased mental, physical, emotional and financial stress often contributes to chronic health conditions and depression experienced by the caregiver. As discouraging as these statistics may appear, they underscore the need for caregivers to practice self-care as a priority. Sara Perry, executive director of Respite Care Charleston, has seen families buckle under the relentless day-to-day needs of having a live-in family member struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s: “The holidays can become extremely stressful when increased family and social obligations disrupt the routines that are so important to our loved ones struggling with cognitive decline.” “The caregivers who seem to enjoy the holidays most are those who give themselves permission to say no, make rest a priority for themselves and their loved ones and are willing to modify traditions to avoid overstimulation,” she added. Perry further offered, “During our half-day memory care programs, the Respite Care Charleston staff is careful to strike the right balance of creating a festive atmosphere without overstimulating our members with the sights, sounds and busyness that come with the holidays.” Here are some other tips for managing holiday celebrations so that you can enjoy them, too: • Simplify wherever you can. Instead of repeating every longheld tradition, focus on those that are the most meaningful for you and your loved one. Consider starting a few new ones that have some special value for you – even if that means scheduling some alone time. • Ask for help. Instead of laboring over the usual big meal with all the fixings, what about potluck or asking guests to bring a specific item from your menu? You might also consider ordering partially or fully prepared meals or eating out. • Is all that decorating absolutely necessary? Scale back or employ helpers such as the grandchildren, a church group or a senior volunteer organization. • Delegate wherever you can. Keep a to-do list and pick from it when friends and family offer to help. Cleaning your home, picking up medications, running errands, decorating and gift shopping are a few suggestions. • Get enough sleep, even if that means sleeping in occasionally or scheduling a nap. Without adequate rest, it is difficult to be your best. • Go outdoors. Short walks in the fresh air are rejuvenating and calming. • Set healthy boundaries. It is OK to decline an offer or suggestion if it really doesn’t fit in with your plans and would require more energy than you wish to expend. • Consider adult day programs – respite care – if it is available in your area. Trained staff at reputable memory-care organizations are uniquely equipped to provide your loved ones the right kinds of stimulating activities and attention in a calm and safe environment while allowing you to focus on other priorities. By Janet E. Perrigo
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