Celebrating While Someone Is Ill

If you have a loved one who’s living with a serious illness, such as cancer or heart failure, the holidays are likely to be different this year. That’s especially true as flu cases spike.

Many people with chronic illnesses are more vulnerable to complications from or serious illness due to the flu or COVID-19. If someone in your family has an ongoing medical condition, it’s important to take steps to protect them from both conditions this holiday season. That doesn’t mean you have to scrap your plans, but it may mean changing them. In fact, there are plenty of reasons to move forward with your celebrations.

Read More: Helping a Loved One With Alzheimer’s Through the Holidays

“Now more than ever, it’s important to find ways to connect,” says Jennifer Massey, LMSW, ACHP-SW, manager of patient continuum of care services at Beaufort Memorial. “The holidays are a natural time for families and friends to strengthen their bonds through tradition, and they help remind us of what is important. Much of the last couple of years have been about social distancing and isolation. Many people are now craving this special time to come back together to reconnect and reenergize.”

Massey, who works closely with the palliative care program at Beaufort Memorial, says holiday celebrations that are different from the past are no less special. Consider these tips for holding seasonal commemorations with vulnerable loved ones in mind:

Plan ahead.

Before the holidays arrive, check in with family about updating your holiday plans, and keep the conversation going.

“Take stock of your family’s needs, including an ill loved one’s energy levels, cognition, mobility and safety,” Massey says. “Consider how these have changed and think outside the box to find new ways your family can connect and find meaning in the season. By creating a plan and taking the pressure off from the outset, an ill loved one can more fully enjoy your time together instead of worrying about how they’re going to power through.”

Consider going virtual.

You may wish to get together virtually this year to reduce the risk of exposing a vulnerable loved one to the flu or coronavirus. Virtual gatherings present an opportunity to put a new twist on traditions.

“Have families prepare holiday meals in their homes, but plan on eating at the same time and connect via video call,” Massey suggests. “Use the same strategy for a funny family photo. Don your holiday pajamas and smile big for the webcam. A screenshot of the virtual gathering will make a great holiday card.”

Read More: Tips For Healthier Holidays

If you’re planning an in-person gathering, set expectations up front about mask wearing and physical distancing. Individuals who are traveling may wish to consider self-isolating prior to the trip and get tested for COVID-19 prior to departure. Encourage everyone to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.

Spending more time outside is safer than staying indoors where air flow is reduced.

“Think of ways to incorporate the outdoors into your celebrations,” Massey says. “Nothing says winter holidays like sitting outside by a fire pit making s’mores and drinking hot chocolate.”

Downsize without downgrading.

Loved ones with an ongoing illness may tire quickly, experience reduced appetite or feel overwhelmed in large groups. To make them more comfortable, you can:

• Build time for rest into your celebration plans.
• Consider preparing appetizers or dessert instead of a large meal.
• Don’t play loud music or use strong-smelling candles. Hold shorter events instead of all-day get-togethers.
• Keep group sizes small.
• Make sure your menu includes items your ill loved one can eat.
• Speak slowly and clearly to loved ones who have dementia or hearing problems.

Read More: Give the Gift of Health

Don’t ignore difficult emotions.

It’s OK to feel less than joyful at times during the holidays.

“For those with serious illnesses, the holidays can prompt feelings of guilt, sadness, loss and anger,” Massey says. “It’s important to welcome those emotions into the season. Allow yourself and your loved ones time to get those emotions out, no matter how anti-holiday they may seem.

Do you or a loved one need care during the holiday? You have options!

• Walk in or reserve a time for a same-day appointment at Beaufort Memorial Express Care and Occupational Health.
• See a provider any time or place using BMH Care Anywhere.
• Have a video doctor visit using a private Walk-In Care at Publix kiosk.