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30 Things Caregivers Are Thankful For On a Holiday


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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