There are so many issues that elder caregivers deal with: incontinence, dementia, wandering, hallucinations, memory loss, violent outbursts, medications, medical equipment, and so on.
All these things might seem inconsequential to those not dealing with them on a daily basis, but caregivers know that when you start adding a few of these together, it can make any day tough. It can make holidays almost impossible.
Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and caregivers may be dreading the extra stress as they wonder;
- Will mom/dad cooperate and take a shower?
- Are all the foods appropriate?
- Will so many people around cause agitation in my parent?
- Will I be able to get mom's wheelchair into Cousin Margie's house?
- All their heat sources are open flame...what should I do about Dad's oxygen?
I can't answer all those questions, but I can list a few things to be thankful for this year. Of course, having your loved one with you for the holidays is a cause for thanks in itself.
But lets not be mushy. Here are 30 things caregivers are thankful for during the holiday season.
1. 24 hour pharmacies
2. Xanax
3. Homes with no stairs
4. Unseasonably warm weather
5. Germ-x
6. Clothing with elastic instead of zippers or buttons
7. Clothes that don't show cranberry sauce stains
8. Lucid days for dementia sufferers
9. Not having to provide CPR or the Heimlich maneuver
10. Central heat
11. Downstairs bathrooms
12. Doorways big enough for wheelchairs
13. Febreze
14. People who bring side dishes
15. People who call and ask about dietary restrictions
16. Dry shampoo for the stubborn bather
17. Spillproof cups
18. Un-carpeted floors
19. People who don't ask someone with Alzheimer's "Do you remember...?"
20. Caffeine
21. Chocolate
22. Patience
23. Boxed dressing mix
24. Any food you don't have to cook yourself
25. Hugs
26. Unbreakable dishes
27. Disposable dishes
28. Getting out of the house for awhile
29. Laughter
30. Your own sanity
Whether you go out or stay home for Thanksgiving, have a safe, happy (and sane) holiday, Caregivers!
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