Coping with the aftermath of family holidays

Coping with the

I’m a mom. It’s probably the role I most identify with; the part of who I am that motivates me in all the other parts of my life. Why did I go out and get a job? To make sure my children didn’t want for their needs being met. Why do I push so hard to achieve my goals? So that my sons know that one, women can do it, and two (and most importantly) that they can achieve their goals no matter the obstacles as long as they plan and work hard. Why do I cook? Well, to be honest, I really just love to feed people, but it’s extra nice to hear my five-year-old say, “You’re a good cooker mom.” or “This is DEee-lish-ous Mom!” I’m proud to say this happens more often than I was led to believe it would before I had children. 


four-generations-of-women-TZP67VYIf you’re a parent you probably feel the same way, like your whole life focused down into your child's smooshy little face the day they were born. And the day you were born, your parents probably felt the same way about you. 

I want you to hold on to that knowledge as you come to terms with the changes your life is about to go through during the New Year. 

When I was interviewing to work with SeaCare I learned that the holiday season is when we realize that our parents and grandparents might need some help. That things are not as easy as they’ve made it seem throughout the year. Some of us find ourselves hundreds or thousands of miles away from our loved ones and can only visit during the holiday season.. 

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Now, the wrapping paper is in the bin, although the tree is still up. And while friends might be merrily discussing how this is the year they write that book, lost 40 pounds, or are just a bit more thankful and kind, we’re dealing with the reality that aging brings with it more than wisdom, and our parent’s golden years have a little less shine than before the holidays. 

So what’s your first step? What do you do now that you have a million things to do and even more questions with no easy answers? 

You could call SeaCare In-Home Care Services and allow us to help you through those next steps. We would help you create to a plan and determine the level of in-home care that you need moving forward. We would partner with you so that your loved one can age in place, with the dignity and compassion they deserve. 

But you may not be ready for that step. And that’s ok. We’ll be here when that time comes. 

However, we do recommend you find support. People that have been where you are now, who’ve experienced the bad days, and the worse days and have learned how to hold onto the joy. This support may come in the form of the well-intentioned suggestions you find on Facebook, in your first google searches, or kind words that you found at the dinner table this past week from well-meaning friends and family. 

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To that end, we’ve collected a few resources for your journey, places you can find both in-person and online support groups. If you find you need a bit more support than that, remember, we’re just a phone call away (425) 559-4339.

 

13 Recommended Resources

23 popular online and in-person caregiver support groups

25 Organizations that Take Care of Caregivers

Seacare In-Home Care Services

 

You're likely your family member's first caregiver. Start by finding the right care for yourself. 

 

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