The chill is settling into the air after a particularly hot summer for much of the country. The Halloween costumes have yet to be purchased (at least not on purpose) and the thought of pumpkin pie is still a distant memory at this point. So, right now is the best time to think about the holidays.

What?! We haven’t even trick or treated yet!  And, if you want to make the good Lord laugh, tell Him/Her (covering my bases) your plans.  This saying goes double for family caregivers. Yet, as in all good fearless caregiving, the more you can plan for contingencies, the better.

Preparation for traveling during the holidays is one detail best done way in advance.

Have you told your hosts how they may need to prepare their house for your loved one’s safety and comfort?  Also remember, it’s best that you update relatives and friends ahead of time about your loved one’s behavior or condition so that everybody is at ease and relaxed during the holiday visit.

Make sure to begin packing way in advance so that you’ll have everything needed for your loved one, as well as for yourself.

Make lists and check them often prior to leaving home. Remember to have any refills on medications done early.

Contact the airline/bus/train about their available disability traveling services.

If you’re traveling by car, plan to break up the car trip with a stopover at a park or a favorite restaurant so that your loved one can get some fresh air and feel less confined.

Check out the release of the newest member of the Fearless Caregiver Guide series, Holiday Caregiving. It’s a great roadmap designed to make sure that you can have many more treats than tricks this holiday season.

 

Gary Barg
Editor-in-Chief
gary@caregiver.com