‘Tis the season for eggnog, decorations, parties, and celebrating with family and friends. However, it can also be the season of fighting for a parking spot, endless meal preparation, and trying to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Add that to the reality of being a caregiver for your loved one, and you have a recipe for stress. There are only so many hours in the day, so how do you balance it all without a migraine? One way to take the burden off yourself is to hire a home caregiver. Home care professionals are trained specifically on elder care issues. They can not only help with the healthcare needs of seniors, but they can also assist with light housework, cooking, shopping, and meal preparation. FirstLantic Healthcare highlights five ways hiring a home caregiver can lighten the load for you and your loved one.

 

1. Holiday Shopping

 

Whether dealing with the crowds at the mall or shopping online, your loved one might benefit from some support. A caregiver can provide transportation to stores, mail packages and help navigate e-commerce sites that might be unfamiliar territory. It will free up your time while enabling your relative to check everyone off their shopping list.

 

2. Decorations

 

Hauling out a tree and getting on a ladder to decorate can be strenuous for anyone, especially for someone older. And yet decorating is something that your mom loves to do. So, let her deck the halls. With additional assistance, she can continue to do the things she enjoys without you worrying.

 

3. Baking

 

Every year since you were a child, your mom baked cookies, cakes, and other holiday treats. However, it isn’t as easy for her as it used to be. Getting the ingredients this time of year can mean dealing with congested grocery stores and traffic. But a home caregiver can drive mom to the store or do the shopping for her. And mom still gets to make her famous cookies that everyone loves while getting some support with the prep work.

 

4. Housekeeping

 

Although your mom has always kept an immaculate house, that has become more difficult as she ages. But she still insists on keeping everything spic and span, which means you worry that she will overdo it. Home caregivers can help with light housework, so your mom has the house just like she likes it without overexerting herself.

 

5. Companionship

 

The holiday months can be lonely for seniors, and everyone else has so much going on that they can often feel overlooked. A caregiver can provide some much-needed companionship. Whether it means watching old movies, going to a museum, or out to lunch, your loved one can enjoy some time out without feeling like they are burdening you when you have so much on your plate.

 

Summary

 

Sometimes it’s impossible to do it all alone. Caring for a loved one can be rewarding but stressful, especially during the holidays. Hiring a caregiver not only gives you a much-needed respite but can also comfort your family member. They get additional help and social interaction. You don’t feel guilty, they don’t feel like a constant responsibility, and everyone gets to enjoy a bit more holiday cheer.

 

If you or someone you know is interested in home healthcare services in South Florida, FirstLantic can help.  We have provided our patients with the highest quality in-home care services in Broward and Palm Beach Counties since 2000. Click here to contact us.

 

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