MONROE - With the holidays here, there will be family gatherings, parties, teas, concerts, shopping, presents, decorations, greeting cards and the list goes on. Many people look forward to the hustle and bustle and reconnecting with family and friends.
Others, however, look to this season as a time of stress, chaos and sadness. People who have experienced changes due to Alzheimer's, stroke or other medical conditions may feel a great deal of loss during the holidays. Those who are caring for these loved ones may also feel additional stress and sadness during the holidays.
The Green County Aging and Disability Resource Center offers the following ideas to help reduce stress this holiday:
• Ask for help in meeting goals. Involve other family members or friends in cooking, baking, decorating, shopping or sending cards. Not only does this reduce stress, but it provides good socialization. Write down tasks that need to be completed so you can be specific when people offer to help. And remember that some things can be left undone.
• Change expectations. You may not be able to do everything you've always done. Talk with your family and choose a few traditions that are the most important. Focus on what you will do this year. Remember that you can always do things differently next holiday season. This doesn't have to be a new tradition.
• Prepare family and friends before getting together. Let them know how their loved one has changed due to their disease or condition. Give them ideas on how best to communicate with them and what they can expect.
n Offer suggestions about gifts. Give friends and family ideas of useful gifts they can purchase for their loved one such as music CDs, photo albums, comfortable clothing, videos or book tapes. Don't forget your own wishes, too. Gift certificates for dining out, massage or spa treatments and laundry or cleaning services are some ideas of gifts for the caregiver.
• Keep the needs of your loved one in mind. For those dealing with memory loss, remember that distant memory stays intact the longest and plan activities accordingly, avoiding new games or activities. Some victims of stroke have lost the ability to feed themselves and may find it uncomfortable to eat in front of guests. Perhaps an afternoon of looking at old slides or photos and reminiscing would be more appropriate than sharing a meal. Schedule gatherings during the day rather than in the evening since symptoms often are worse in the evening.
• Be good to yourself. Be aware that the holidays can be stressful and prioritize time for you to get away. A lunch out with friends, trip to the beauty parlor or movie theater, or going to a concert are simple things that can leave you feeling rejuvenated and more able to have a happy holiday.
More information is available by calling the Aging and Disability Resource Center at (608) 328-9499.
Others, however, look to this season as a time of stress, chaos and sadness. People who have experienced changes due to Alzheimer's, stroke or other medical conditions may feel a great deal of loss during the holidays. Those who are caring for these loved ones may also feel additional stress and sadness during the holidays.
The Green County Aging and Disability Resource Center offers the following ideas to help reduce stress this holiday:
• Ask for help in meeting goals. Involve other family members or friends in cooking, baking, decorating, shopping or sending cards. Not only does this reduce stress, but it provides good socialization. Write down tasks that need to be completed so you can be specific when people offer to help. And remember that some things can be left undone.
• Change expectations. You may not be able to do everything you've always done. Talk with your family and choose a few traditions that are the most important. Focus on what you will do this year. Remember that you can always do things differently next holiday season. This doesn't have to be a new tradition.
• Prepare family and friends before getting together. Let them know how their loved one has changed due to their disease or condition. Give them ideas on how best to communicate with them and what they can expect.
n Offer suggestions about gifts. Give friends and family ideas of useful gifts they can purchase for their loved one such as music CDs, photo albums, comfortable clothing, videos or book tapes. Don't forget your own wishes, too. Gift certificates for dining out, massage or spa treatments and laundry or cleaning services are some ideas of gifts for the caregiver.
• Keep the needs of your loved one in mind. For those dealing with memory loss, remember that distant memory stays intact the longest and plan activities accordingly, avoiding new games or activities. Some victims of stroke have lost the ability to feed themselves and may find it uncomfortable to eat in front of guests. Perhaps an afternoon of looking at old slides or photos and reminiscing would be more appropriate than sharing a meal. Schedule gatherings during the day rather than in the evening since symptoms often are worse in the evening.
• Be good to yourself. Be aware that the holidays can be stressful and prioritize time for you to get away. A lunch out with friends, trip to the beauty parlor or movie theater, or going to a concert are simple things that can leave you feeling rejuvenated and more able to have a happy holiday.
More information is available by calling the Aging and Disability Resource Center at (608) 328-9499.
