Navigating the Holidays with Live-In Care
The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also present unique challenges. Navigating the holidays with live-in care can be an adjustment for families as they settle into a new dynamic.
To ensure a harmonious and fulfilling holiday experience for everyone, consider the following:
Communication is Key
Establishing clear and ongoing communication with both your loved one and their live-in carer is the first step towards a successful holiday period.
Discuss any holiday-related concerns in advance: Is there anything you need to be aware of in terms of scheduling? Does your loved one have any preferences or dislikes? And if so, how has their live-in carer accounted for them?
Maintaining regular conversations to ensure everyone is on the same page ensures you can address any potential issues promptly, and save everyone involved unnecessary stress on the day.
Be Considerate when Planning Visits
In the same vein, coordinate any visits with the carer. As your loved one’s care needs change, so may their routine and preferences.
Planning activities that minimise disruption of their routine and align with their abilities and interests can help you make the most of your visit.
Certain conditions may also mean people are more (or less) active during certain times of day. Talking to the live-in carer can help you get an overview of when that may be, so you can take your loved one’s energy levels into account.
Traditions can be Adapted
There’s no need to give up your beloved holiday traditions if your loved one’s care needs have changed.
Many family traditions can be adapted to be more accessible, so your loved one can enjoy the day to its fullest. Some changes may be simple, such as swapping out open flames for electric candles to reduce risk, or having your dinner an hour earlier. Others could require a bit more planning, for example making sure a restaurant is wheelchair accessible, or allowing extra time for travel.
Holiday traditions can be especially important for people with dementia, so it’s important to make sure festive activities align with your loved one’s physical and cognitive activities.
Tailor Meals and Treats
Planning and preparing holiday meals is a great way to involve your loved one in a shared and enjoyable experience. If this is not possible, consider their preferences when it comes to food. Perhaps they have a fondness for certain holiday treats or desserts?
It’s also important to check if they have any dietary restrictions, and see what alternatives are available. Their live-in carer will be familiar with planning around these restrictions, and can help you cater to their needs while maintaining the holiday spirit.
Ensure Wintertime Safety
With winter weather conditions in mind, there are precautions you can take to ensure your loved one’s safety. Check if there are mobility adjustments you can make both inside and outside the home. Handrails or ramps can go a long way in allowing people to move about safely, as can salting or gritting any outside paths if conditions are slippery. In your home, making sure there is adequate lighting throughout the house can help your loved one navigate the unfamiliar environment. Finally, proper heating not only makes for a festive atmosphere, but also helps your loved one feel more comfortable, as a range of health conditions can be exacerbated by cold weather.
Promote Social Connections
The holidays are a time for togetherness, so it’s especially hard for people to be alone during the festive season. Encourage your loved one to participate in community events with the support of their live-in carer, or work with them to facilitate group activities or gathering within the home to foster a sense of belonging.
And if you’ve got friends and family abroad or out of town, why not connect with them via video calls? Setting up online social groups can be a fantastic way to reduce loneliness and isolation. Your loved one’s carer will be able to support them to use a phone or computer, so they (and you!) can relax and enjoy the conversation.
Offer Emotional Support
Remember that the festive period can be hard for people. Your loved one may experience nostalgia, loneliness, or a range of other negative emotions despite the festive cheer. That’s why it’s especially important to be sensitive to their emotional well-being during the holidays. Offer a listening ear and provide reassurance that they are loved and cared for during those times. Just letting them know that emotional support is available when they need and want it can have a positive effect on their mental health. And if you’re concerned, their live-in carer is there to help.
Happy Holidays!
About the Author
Jo is one of our Regional Care Consultants, covering live-in care services in Chichester and the wider West Sussex area. As a trained nurse, Jo is passionate about making sure everyone receives the support they need, when they need it – contact Jo at 01243 282826 or 07901 550860 to discuss your care needs confidentially.
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