Caregiver Support Through The Holidays
For most Americans, the six weeks from Thanksgiving through New Year’s is lots of fun. Parties, yummy foods, community events, shopping, and the giving and receiving of gifts create lasting memories. For caregivers, those six weeks can also bring additional stress. Caring for someone in need, especially a patient at end of life is both rewarding and grueling and the holidays often feel like something to just get through. Fatigued, the caregiver may prefer sleep to socializing. Overwhelmed, the caregiver may be having trouble finding time to shop for holiday groceries and gifts. And if the caregiver’s patient recently passed away, grief and loneliness can drown out comfort and joy. Let Heart ‘n Home give you the additional caregiver support through the holidays, so that you can just enjoy your loved one.
Much has been written for, about, and by caregivers in recent months and the reason is clear. Americans age 65+ numbered nearly 40 million in 2009 (nearly 13% of the country’s population) and by 2030 it’s estimated there will be more than 72 million older Americans, representing 19% of the population (source: ACL). More and more print and online magazines are featuring stories written by adult children caring for one or more elderly parent, family member, or friend. Even “Dear Abby” is discussing it.
If you’re a caregiver, ask us about “Home for the Holidays.” We can send a trained volunteer to stay with your patient while you cook or bake, shop, wrap presents, sleep, get a haircut or pedicure, etc. We also offer Grief and Loss Support services and we are available 24/7. If you are a professional caregiver or supervise caregivers in an assisted living or skilled nursing facility, adult foster home or other care setting, we will be happy to provide education and services that can reduce phone calls and trips to the ER.
To get additional caregiver support, call us at 1-800-HOSPICE and visit us online. “Affirming lives” is our business and we’d love to affirm YOURS!
