Ohio Department of Aging

• Older Ohioans & Families
• Providers & Professionals
• Advocacy & Legislation

• Home
• Info Center
• About Us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2007

Caregivers Face Additional Stress at the Holidays
Small Changes, New Traditions Can Make a Big Difference

COLUMBUS - For many caregivers the holiday season leads to stress, frustration and guilt, instead of peace and good will. Some caregivers, faced with the additional obligations of holiday family gatherings, gift buying and cooking, just want the whole thing over with. Caregivers can reduce the added stress by recognizing it and making changes.

"More than fifty million people, one in every five Americans, help loved ones who need some help with day-to-day activities," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the Ohio Department of Aging. "Caring for an ill loved one can be one of life's greatest joys and challenges, but during holidays, when more responsibilities are added to an already stressful schedule, caregivers need to ensure they do not become overwhelmed."

Some tips to help caregivers minimize the stress that can come with the season:

1. Start your own traditions. Do something different or try a different approach to an old tradition. For Example, instead of cooking a holiday meal for a houseful of family and friends, suggest a potluck with everyone contributing.
2. If gift-buying is a must, use non-traditional methods, such as ordering from catalogs or the Internet. Consider gift cards.
3. Take care of your body by getting plenty of rest and exercise. Don't deny yourself holiday treats, but avoid over-indulging.
4. Give yourself a gift. Slow down and be kind to yourself. Take a break and just enjoy the holiday. You do what you can and no one can expect more than that.
5. Expect the unexpected. Be prepared for unannounced guests or late invitations to gatherings. Try to go with the flow.
6. Ask for help. This is the season for giving. Let loved ones know the best gift they could give you is some assistance.

Additionally, memories of past holidays, when a loved one was still healthy, can create feelings of loss and sadness. Denying the grief of those losses can lead to physical symptoms and can also prolong the grieving process. "Caregivers need to realize if they didn't care, they wouldn't feel so bad," says Riley. "When they realize that they are allowed to have their feelings, caregivers can deal with the emotions."

If you or a loved one are having difficulties caring for another and dealing with holiday stress, contact your area agency on aging to discover caregiver supports and resources in your community. Call 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to the agency serving your community.

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.