Making the Holidays Special for Your Patients
6 Tips for Professional Caregivers to Make the Holiday Season Merry and Bright for Clients
When we were kids, the holiday season was a magical time. As adults, it can be quite stressful adding in additional tasks such as baking, shopping, and holiday parties. But as a patient, the holidays can be difficult. It can be marred with feelings of sadness, loss, loneliness, and even anger.?
While each patient’s personal situation and feelings are unique, there are some things that professional caregivers can do to help patients through this emotional rollercoaster of a time, and even make it more special.?
Here are our top 6 tips for making the holiday season bright for your home care patients.?
1 | Listen to Them
The first and most important thing you can do for any patient who is feeling depressed or angry that they are ill during the holiday season is to just listen to them. Let them talk about how they feel to get things off their chest. You don’t always have to offer solutions to their feelings; sometimes listening is enough. Remember, don’t pressure your patient to talk about their feelings if they aren’t ready. Letting them know that you are available to listen to them once they are ready to talk may help open up the door to getting them to talk about their feelings. Helping a patient work through negative feelings, no matter the time of year, can lead to overall greater happiness and healing!
2 | Learn About Their Traditions
Learn about the holiday they celebrate if it is different from your own, or just learn about their own family traditions. Ask them what they loved most about this time of year, what foods they ate, any special memories they may have, and more. Learning what has made the holiday season special for them in the past can help you make this current holiday season brighter. If your patient is unable to communicate, ask a family member or loved one what traditions they have so that you can do something special for or with your patient.?
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3 | Decorate With Them
Celebrate the holidays by helping your patient decorate for the holidays. Pulling out a menorah for Hanukkah or a tree for Christmas can bring light and joy into your patient’s home. For patients with mobility issues, this can be a wonderful present for them, especially if their boxes of decorations are tucked away in a basement or top shelf of a closet. Decorating together is a great time to ask your patient about their holiday traditions or to sing holiday songs together. You can even play some holiday music over a speaker or smart device while decorating.??
4 | Cook or Bake With Them
Food is a big part of the holiday season and can bring back happy memories. Ask your patient if they have a special recipe they want to make together, such as sugar cookies or homemade cranberry sauce. You might even consider making a full holiday meal to enjoy together. While this may sound impressive or like too much food, consider cutting family recipes in half or help your client invite family and friends over for the meal. They’ll be able to take pride in sharing a meal with loved ones that you helped them create!
5 | Wear Holiday Accoutrement?
Wear something festive while at work! Put on some holiday scrubs or wear some fun holiday accoutrement, such as a pin, holiday cardigan, or hat. Wearing something festive can help put a smile on your patient’s face. It can also help open up the door to conversations about traditions if they have been unwilling to share previously.?
6 | Help Them Give
Finally, help your client give to others. The holidays aren’t just about getting or reminiscing on happier times in the past. The true joy of this season comes from giving to others. Consider assisting your patient with some of these tasks:?
Final Thoughts
Caregivers can make a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients year round, but especially during the holidays. You can be the light in the dark for many of your patients who may be upset or lonely during these festive times. Sharing traditions, celebrating together, or even creating new traditions can help your clients enjoy the holidays and create memories that they will continue to hold dear.?