GoldenSHERPA acknowledges the intense dedication present in our caregiver community, particularly as the holiday season approaches. We’re grateful for your commitment to aged care while balancing personal, family, and work obligations. Striking a Holiday Balance in Caregiving and Personal Well-Beingis essential during this time. This task, although rewarding, often attaches psychological stress, especially during festive periods (Lazarus & Folkman, 2018). In the spirit of the holidays, let’s explore strategies for mitigating stress, incorporating seniors in celebration, and prioritizing caregiver well-being.
The Proactive Approach: Anticipating and Counteracting Stress
In their Study, Lazarus and Folkman (2018) highlighted how individuals often confront ‘psychological stress’ when demands outweigh their available resources. This often arises during holidays due to increased social and familial expectations. To manage this, a proactive approach of anticipatory care plans can help balance the caregiving demands and holiday cheer.
Integrating Seniors into the Festive Spirit
As outlined by Jones and Smith (2019), involving seniors in holiday traditions not only stimulates their cognitive functions and overall mood but also offers a shared compassion satisfaction. This vital term denotes the sense of personal accomplishment and positivity derived from competent caregiving (North et al., 2020). So, encourage your elders to participate in holiday activities.
Self-Care for Caregivers: A Priority
In preserving your well-being, consider setting boundaries. It’s all right to share caregiving responsibilities or seek support when needed. Protecting your quality of life influences the quality of care provided, offering you opportunities to sincerely enjoy your holiday experience rather than merely surviving it (North et. al, 2020).
An Affirmation of Resilience
Striking a Holiday Balance in Caregiving and Personal Well-Being may appear overwhelming, but remember your inherent resilience. Over the holidays, let’s reiterate our commitment to nurturing our loved ones, maintaining our wellness, and rejoicing in festivity.
References
Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (2018). Stress, Appraisal, and Coping. New York: Springer.
Jones, A. & Smith, L. (2019). Social participation and mental health: Moderating effects of gender, social role and rurality. BMC Psychology, 7, 22.
North, J.C., et. al. (2020). Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Compassion Satisfaction Among Oncology Nurses. The Journal of Nursing, pp 14-20.
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