Article by Giuliana Valencia, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging
(Posted 2022 December)
December can be a challenging month for many family caregivers, as it marks the beginning of the winter, and the start of different holiday celebrations. During this time, it is common for people to feel the pressure of hosting dinner parties, preparing special dishes, decorating, buying gifts, or traveling to visit family and friends. If you are feeling the stress of the holidays, here are some tips to help you take care of yourself:
- Practice self-compassion: during this season when things can feel more stressful, show kindness and compassion towards yourself.
- Keep things simple: don’t spend all your time and energy trying to keep up with traditions. Prioritize and create new memories.
- Ask for help: ask your friends and family to help you and try to make your request simple and specific.
- Create new memories: sometimes leaving the home is just not possible. Invite friends, watch a movie, or have a potluck.
- Connect with other caregivers: attend a caregiver support group and connect with others who are going through the same experiences.
- Make a list: write down everything you want to do over the holidays. Then, reflect about what truly matters to you and how you want to spend your time and energy; finally, check off the list the items that you can do without.
Remember that the holiday season only lasts a few weeks, and if you are feeling overwhelmed, call the Aging, Disability, & Caregiver Resource Line and request to be transferred to the Virtual Friendly Visitor Program to talk to a volunteer about lighthearted topics, as well as share journeys/stories. To learn more, call 703-324-7948, TTY 711 or visit FairfaxCounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults.
Stroke Support Group
The Fairfax County Health Department offers a caregiver stroke group that provides a safe place for caregivers to honestly talk about challenges regarding a beloved stroke survivor. Currently, the caregiver group is meeting in person at the Joseph Willard Health Center. However, anyone wishing to attend must contact Erica Wrenn, prior to attending to complete the COVID-19 screening questionnaire. Anyone who shows up without completing this step will not be allowed to attend the meeting.
This in-person support group meets every Friday from 1-2 p.m. To register, call 703-246-7151 or email Erica.Wrenn@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Mobile Crisis Unit
The Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU) is an emergency mental health program of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board that provides on-scene evaluation, treatment and crisis intervention in the community. The MCU specializes in providing these services to individuals who are experiencing a mental health emergency and who need, but are unwilling or unable to seek, mental health treatment, and who, as a result of a psychiatric condition, may be a danger to self- or others.
If you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with a mental health condition and wish to learn more about this service, visit bit.ly/CrisisMobile.
Fairfax Caregiver Alert Notifications
"If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you." Now, family caregivers can receive weekly emails, text messages, and voice communication methods to learn about the latest news on caregiving supportive services. These programs include workshops, caregiver webinars, case management, in-home respite, and much more. Subscribe to the program, create an account (or if you already have one, sign into your account), and select Area Agency on Aging/Caregiving. Visit FairfaxCounty.gov/alerts.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).