Avoiding Caregiver Burnout During the Busy Holiday Season

Mercy LIFE can ease caregiver stress during the busy holiday rush

The holiday season seems to begin earlier every year. While many Delco residents are still indulging in Halloween candy and enjoying smiling pumpkins residing on their neighbors’ front steps, local retailers already have decked the halls and are displaying holiday decor for sale. The holiday season is stressful enough, but for dedicated caregivers whose loved ones’ care is a high priority, the holiday season can feel more like a burden and less holly and jolly. Fortunately, Mercy LIFE, a nationally recognized PACE program in Delaware County, can offer gifts of respite and peace of mind to Delco caregivers.

In addition to the start of the holiday season, November also is National Family Caregivers Month, the perfect time to offer solutions to keep caregiver burnout at bay, including:

• Recognize the signs of exhaustion (fatigue, depression, change in appetite, etc.), and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
• Schedule personal time – if only a few minutes of relaxation – between shopping, wrapping and other holiday activities.
• Remain socially connected by combining social activities with holiday chores. Get together with friends to exchange wrapping paper or bake cookies.
• Join a caregiver support group or network – establish new relationships and bond with those in similar circumstances.
• Identify a confidant, someone to talk with confidentially who can appreciate and understand your situation, especially during this time of year.
• Seek respite care for loved ones in order to find time to complete the rejuvenating actions above.

Community-based organizations like Mercy LIFE offer comprehensive medical, nursing, nutritional, spiritual, recreational and home care services throughout the year to supplement the support caregivers provide. And, just in time for the holiday season, Mercy LIFE is hosting a Health & Wellness Expo for caregivers to rejuvenate and relax, and learn more about the program.

Unwind at Mercy LIFE's FREE Health & Wellness Expo – Saturday, November 16

The Health & Wellness Expo for caregivers and their families will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16  from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Adult Day Center located in the Constitution Health Plaza (formerly St. Agnes Hospital) at the corner of Broad Street and Passyunk Avenue(1930 S. Broad St.). Learn more about the event HERE.

The Health Expo is open to the public and will offer:

• Yoga sessions
• Health screenings
• “Ask the Doc” and “Ask the Social Worker” sessions (caregivers can inquire about their or their loved ones’ care)
• Autograph and photo opportunities with celebrity guests
• Tours of the Mercy LIFE Adult Day Center and demonstrations of the program’s senior therapy offerings
• Raffle prizes, food and live music

In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, Mercy LIFE, along with CBS3 anchor Pat Ciarrocchi, will recognize one deserving caregiver as the Mercy LIFE “Devoted Caregiver Award” recipient during the event.

More About Mercy LIFE:

Since May 2013, Mercy LIFE has been available to seniors living in Delaware County, including Darby, Chester, Yeadon, Prospect Park, Wallingford, Woodlyn, Lansdowne, Sharon Hill, Garnet Valley, and Ridley Park (specific zip codes include 19013, 19014, 19015, 19018, 19022, 19023, 19032, 19033, 19036, 19050, 19060, 19061, 19074, 19076, 19078, 19081, 19079, and 19094).

Schedule a tour of one of four Mercy LIFE Day Centers by calling us at 215.339.4747 or visiting www.mercylife.org. Or, view a virtual tour of the Mercy LIFE Day Centers by visiting www.mercylife.org/virtualtour.