By Tina Rowley, R.N., C.S.A., from the Home Instead Senior Care office in Birmingham, MI.
Q. My 90-year-old father has always loved celebrating the holidays, but he suffered a stroke earlier this year. He recently returned home from a rehabilitation facility and is doing well with some help. I’d like to include him in as many holiday activities as we can, but how do I decide how much is too much?
It’s great that your father will be with you during the holidays. Being with family is one great way to help your dad successfully continue with his rehabilitation. You’re wise to think ahead, however, and try to determine what would be a good balance for your father. Start by talking with his physician. Your dad’s doctor should be able to give you an indication of how much he can and can’t do. Knowing that, get together with other family members who will be scheduling holiday festivities. Find out what will be happening, how long it will last, and what activities are planned.
Then, discuss with your siblings and other family members how much you think your father should try to do, based on the doctor’s recommendations. If there’s a lunch or dinner followed by several hours of opening gifts, perhaps you can pick one or the other for him to attend. If there’s an evening of cards or board games, plan to have him be there for an hour or so to join in the fun.
Remember that your dad may be feeling like he is strong enough to do more, but that could be a dangerous risk. Let him know that what you’re doing is based on a doctor’s recommendations and in his best interests. Then stick to your plan!
If you’re too busy playing host for the holidays, why not consider hiring a non-medical caregiver to assist dad. A Home Instead CAREGiver, for instance, can help ensure that your dad is getting plenty of rest before the holiday festivities begin and provide transportation to and from the events. If you find that your father is not up to attending any events, the companionship of a CAREGiver can be a treasured gift during the holidays. Here’s wishing you a joyous season with your loved ones.
For more information about Home Instead Senior Care, contact Bert Copple at 248-904-8455 or visit www.homeinstead.com.
It’s always so difficult to figure out what to do for the holidays when your folks are getting older and more unhealthy, especially after such an unfortunate accident like a stroke or other horrible disease. I’ve found that one of our holiday traditions always stands the test of time. We always sit around and watch holiday classics like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. This gives the seniors the sense of nostalgia, the kids a sense of newness and adventure, and it gives the adults a chance to relax and enjoy family time. I just found this great limited edition DVD box set of The Original Christmas Classics (http://www.christmasclassics.tv), which have all of the favorites (Rudolph, Frosty, and Santa Claus) and a bonus music CD for caroling or sitting around the fire. I am working to support this because I think it’s important for us to all remember how important the holidays and family are during this season. What else do you guys do for holiday traditions when you have a sick family member?
By: Patty on November 28, 2007
at 7:51 pm