Just in time for the holidays, workshops to help overburdened family caregivers were held at the USC Andrus Gerontology Center and the Health Sciences Campus.

“Holidays can be stressful and chaotic for anyone, and even more so for the family caregiver,” said Shawn Herz, director of program development at the Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center, who spoke at the workshops. “Whether caring for an elderly or impaired relative, spouse or friend, providing care from home, nearby or miles away, caregivers face many unique challenges.”

While the rest of the world is out buying gifts and planning parties, the elderly, the impaired and their supporters can sometimes get left behind.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), six million people over the age of 65 suffer from depression, which is often magnified during the holidays. Family caregivers, who frequently bear the weight of balancing social obligations and care responsibilities, also are susceptible to holiday angst.

According to the NIMH, depression in the elderly can be triggered by a number of factors that are heightened during the holiday season, such as physical limitations, declining health, isolation, change of living arrangements and financial constraints.

Left untreated, these symptoms can lead to a decline in health. However, recent studies suggest that by helping the caregiver, one can indirectly help the patient.

Herz offered a few practical pointers to ease some of the seasonal stress. “Set a healthy limit to your activities and be able to carve out time for yourself,” she said. “Create a new tradition by setting expectations at a sensible level, considering the added responsibilities you undertake as a caregiver.”

For example, in preparation for a holiday party, Herz suggested having the food delivered or delegating the cooking to others.

Another tip offered by Herz is to keep the care receivers actively involved in the holiday preparations, which can encourage their active participation and remind them that they are important and vital members of the family.

Activities such as hanging decorations, wrapping gifts and setting the table can provide opportunities for spending time together with loved ones and can be tailored to the person’s condition and physical capabilities. For example, she advised to limit noise and distractions while performing activities with those who have cognitive impairments such as dementia.

She also stressed the importance of talking openly with relatives and friends to familiarize them with the particular health challenges the care recipient faces. By explaining that a loved one may have unpredictable behavior or trouble remembering, one can diffuse a potentially uncomfortable situation before it arises.

“It is important to educate family members so that they will be aware of the situation,” Herz said. “It makes them more sensitive to the needs of that person.”

The Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center and USC's Center for Work and Family Life were co-sponsors of the workshops.