Holiday visits sometimes greet family members with alarming signs that additional care or daily assistance is needed in the home of aging loved ones. With busy schedules or long distances separating families for much of the year, subtle (or not-so-subtle) indicators can easily be missed. While you may be aware of care needed, help reduce the impact of another family member observing a loved one at a holiday event by preparing the family in advance.
Below are our November tips to help you prior to holiday gatherings:
- Prepare your family. Tell family members about the physical and cognitive changes that you see. Prepare them for the changes so that they are not surprised.
- Ask for assistance. Get help with caregiving, dinner, decorations, and finances. You cannot do it all by yourself.
- Set a rule. No one should discuss the aging person’s disabilities during the holiday visit.
- After the holiday, ask for observations of the aging person. What ideas or suggestions do they have for how to address the concerns?
- Plan a family meeting. Discuss what the next steps are to assist the loved one’s needs. If being in-person is not an option, you can Skype or telephone conference.
In the next Response Senior Care Newsletter, Gary Franklin, MSW, LCSW-C, ACSW, will address how to successfully run a family meeting and what needs to be addressed.
Additionally, Response Senior Care provides Respite Care, which is short-term, in-home assistance with caregiving so you can enjoy the holidays, go shopping, visit friends and other family, and enjoy the festivities. Please call us for special scheduling. 410-571-2744.
