Family caregiving can take many forms—from parenting a child with special needs who requires around-the-clock supervision, to caring long-distance for an elderly parent who is alone in the apartment they’ve spent their life living in. According to the Caregiver Action Network (CAN), there are “over 90 million Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age.” Undeniably this role is deeply rooted in love, and caregivers are happy to help their family members who need it. Still, it is important that family caregivers also acknowledge the added demands caretaking can bring.

The holiday season, approaching fast, can be an especially tricky time for family caregivers. The additional responsibilities of cooking, gift-buying, hosting family and friends—not to mention increased financial burdens and shorter, darker days—often produce anxious feelings. But, with November being National Family Caregivers Month and Thanksgiving and the rest of the holidays almost upon us, it is the perfect time to recognize and honor family caregivers—including yourself—by practicing self-care throughout the season (and beyond)!

As a registered nurse and the leader of Partners in Care, a licensed home care agency affiliated with the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, my colleagues and I communicate often with family caregivers while we provide care for their loved ones in their homes. We offer support by helping them navigate the complexities of their role and deal with the stresses that can often come along for the ride. Below are some tips and guidance for all kinds of family caregivers—from the child caring for their parent from afar, to the sibling who is becoming older and frail themselves—that we hope will help you remain at ease when you start to feel tense, and help keep the “cheer” in the holiday season!

1.  Do Half of What You’re “Supposed to” Do
Many times, holiday stress is self-induced. We add items to our to-do list that are not only unnecessary, but are often not even remotely doable. Putting so much pressure on yourself to do everything—filling out cards, making custom place settings, cooking the perfect meal and desserts—could leave you feeling deflated later on. Be attentive to taking on a manageable load and always ask for help if you need it. Ask yourself: is this a complete necessity, or would just be a nice addition? If it’s the latter, just cross it off now!

2.  Do Good
No matter how often we hear it, doing good really does feel good. Helping others will often take your mind off your own troubles and put things into perspective. At the risk of contradicting the guidance above, see if you can squeeze in some time volunteering at a soup kitchen, donating to a food or toy drive, etc. There are many families struggling just as much as you, if not more, and helping them will remind you of the good there is in the world and how help is available if only you are willing to ask.

3.  Eat Well and Sleep Well
Taking care of your health should always be the number one priority—especially when you are going through a trying time. If you cannot function mentally or physically, there is no way you can continue to carry on with your duties or enjoy your life. Though sugary and fatty foods—and alcohol—are always especially tempting during this time of year, remember that a harder choice now will result in a more fulfilling outcome later. Keep yourself strong and healthy with proper nutrition and a good night of sleep, especially leading up to the big days.

4.  Spend Wisely
On top of the usual medical expenses you may already incur, large meals and gifts can add an extra burden around this time of year. Echoing my first bit of advice, really reflect on what you are purchasing and how necessary it is. Avoid the anxiety and remorse that comes with high credit card bills by pulling back a little on what you buy. Friends and family won’t love you any less, promise.

5.  Plan Diversions
The nostalgia of the holidays can offer a welcome opportunity to tap into the things you used to enjoy. Rekindling connections to past experiences can be beneficial, whether your areas of interest are playing cards, watching a game, listening to music, or dancing a night away. They will also help you take needed breaks, and live in the moment of enjoyment. 

Jennifer Rajewski is an RN and Senior Vice President at Partners in Care, an affiliate of The Visiting Nurse Service of New York. VNSNY is the largest not-for-profit home- and community-based health care agency in the United States, providing quality private care services. For more information please visit www.partnersincareny.org or call 1-888-735-8913. 212-561-7476

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Welcome to the Norwood News, a bi-weekly community newspaper that primarily serves the northwest Bronx communities of Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights. Through our Breaking Bronx blog, we focus on news and information for those neighborhoods, but aim to cover as much Bronx-related news as possible. Founded in 1988 by Mosholu Preservation Corporation, a not-for-profit affiliate of Montefiore Medical Center, the Norwood News began as a monthly and grew to a bi-weekly in 1994. In September 2003 the paper expanded to cover University Heights and now covers all the neighborhoods of Community District 7. The Norwood News exists to foster communication among citizens and organizations and to be a tool for neighborhood development efforts. The Norwood News runs the Bronx Youth Journalism Heard, a journalism training program for Bronx high school students. As you navigate this website, please let us know if you discover any glitches or if you have any suggestions. We’d love to hear from you. You can send e-mails to norwoodnews@norwoodnews.org or call us anytime (718) 324-4998.