(Des Moines, IA ) — The holiday season can be a stressful time for many, but for the 80-thousand dementia caregivers in Iowa, the holidays can be especially challenging.
The Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter says that in Iowa, nearly 30 percent of caregivers report feeling depressed and over 60 percent have a chronic health condition. Add in the holidays, and caregivers may feel overwhelmed by maintaining traditions while also providing care.
Ways to reduce holiday stress include focusing on things that bring happiness and let go of activities that seem overwhelming.
Discuss holiday celebrations in advance, offer to give the family’s main caregiver a respite, and consider Zoom or FaceTime calls as a way to connect.
