Sharon Roth Maguire, a geriatric nurse practitioner and Vice President of Quality and Clinical Operations for BrightStar Care®, put together a list of helpful suggestions to make sure everyone enjoys a safe holiday season.

1. Caring for Aging Parents While You're
on a Holiday Trip

2. With end of the year vacations, school breaks and closed offices, the
holidays are often the perfect time for families to relax and travel.

3. But those caring for an elderly family member have more to consider
besides locking the door or who will feed the cat. From prescription
medication monitoring and staying on top of doctors appointments to
winter safety assessments, it’s crucial to ensure your loved ones are
ready to handle being alone during your vacation time.

4. Sharon Roth Maguire, a geriatric nurse practitioner and Vice President
of Quality and Clinical Operations for BrightStar Care®, put together a
list of helpful suggestions to make sure everyone enjoys a safe holiday
season.

5. “Being a caregiver is often challenging and thankless work that can be
both emotionally and physically draining,” explains Maguire. “While
every caregiver deserves respite and relief during the holiday season,
it’s important to make sure your loved ones are in good hands.”

6. 1 Complete a Winter Safety Assessment
Before leaving for a family vacation, make sure your loved one’s house is fit
for the brutal winter months. An assessment includes checking fire alarms
and monitoring home heating units. Several companies are equipped to
ensure homes are accessible and in tip-top shape for a safe winter.

7. 2 Stay Organized
Juggling medications, appointments and visiting schedules and can get
overwhelming! Utilize online tool, such as CareTogether.com, to organize
basic tasks related to your loved one. If you’re planning on leaving town,
make sure the online scheduling and organization tool is prepared for your
replacement. CareTogether allows everyone involved in the care process to
access calendar appointments, health updates, and medicine scheduling
for the individual.

8. 3 Hire an Elf http://www.brightstarcare.com/hire-an-elf/
Staying on top of gift wrapping, getting to and from holiday events or
simply grocery shopping can be challenging with poor weather or busy
schedules. The BrightStar Care Hire an Elf program is dedicated to taking
away some of the holiday stresses and allows individuals to hire a caregiver
on an as-needed basis.
Each BrightStar Care caregiver is
trained to provide relief for those
with the responsibility of caring for
an elderly family member during the
busiest time of the year.

9. 4 Communicate
While it’s your time to relax, don’t leave your loved one in the dark. Take
the time to check-in and make sure everything is going smoothly at home.
Ask if your loved one needs anything and make sure they’re staying on top
of medications and any upcoming appointments.

10. Find Quality Care Now
Locate a BrightStar Near You!
Find a location in the US
Find a location in Canada