Holidays can be full of joy and excitement, but also tricky to navigate with any sort of chronic illness. Here are some tips that others with PD and their loved ones have found useful over the years.
MEDICATIONS
Maintain your medication schedule assiduously. No exceptions! Be prepared with extra meds in case you need them for some reason. Use the alarm on your cell phone to keep track of time, Be sure you have enough medications for the entire holiday before anyone arrives or you depart.
TRAVEL
Select the activity and travel schedule likely to produce the lowest level of stress. Travel with safety in mind. For example, bring a cane or walker to signal others you need space. Bring a nightlight for bedrooms away from home. Give yourself some space to destress and relax by booking a suite instead of just a room, or rent a nearby apartment for family to stay in instead of having everyone stay with you. If you are driving, stop frequently to minimize physical discomfort.
If you are attending a local party and if able to, drive 2 cars to parties. This will allow you to leave whenever is necessary and not have to wait for others to be ready to leave.
MEALS
Plan for others to prepare meals as much as possible. Other ways to destress meal time is to get take-out or cook ahead. Insist that the younger generation contribute what they can.
SAFETY
Reduce your risk of falling by avoiding potential dangers such as picking up grandchildren, hurrying across a room or driveway or street, or trying to keep up with younger relatives.
Dress comfortably to avoid physical stress caused by beautiful holiday clothes that don’t fit properly. Be careful walking on unfamiliar sidewalks or paths. Do not walk or hike on snow or ice. Be especially careful if you are walking in the dark. Lack of visual clues makes maintaining balance harder. Bring a flashlight if you anticipate needing more light--or a head lamp which would leave your hands free.
SIMPLIFYING
Give gift cards or gift certificates to simplify your shopping needs. Encouraging others to do the same will avoid your having to carry things home. If you like giving gifts, order holiday gifts online. Make gift wrapping easy - use gift bags.
Keep family schedules kid-friendly (and PD-friendly!) and appropriate for the ages of folks involved. This will minimize problems with anyone getting overtired. Rest when you need to. Don’t apologize for taking a nap.
Ask your family to think of ways they can contribute to the de-stressing effort.
PLAN RECOVERY TIME
Are you hosting the party? Have a close family member help with planning. Also use disposable items to help you not stress over cleaning up.
Not all your loved ones will be understanding, sadly. Try your best to explain why you might be doing a certain action when needed but also do not continue to utilize your time explaining if they are not getting a boundary you are setting. Walk away for rest (or what is needed) and come back to the conversation later (if needed).
OTHER TIPS
Maintain your schedule/routine as much as possible. Keep up with your exercise routines and other parts of your routine that helps you deal with your PD.
Also remind yourself that it is okay to not attend every holiday function or to say you will only attend for a limited amount of hours. Your health and mental well-being comes first! It is okay to say no or to set boundaries. Practice saying no, and be firm in your boundaries
Make sure your favorite traditions are known to your loved ones and you all make time for them when you are up for it.
SUPPORTING A LOVED ONE WITH PD DURING THE HOLIDAYS
If you have plans that include going to dinner or to a performance, call ahead to ask for seats on the aisle or near the front of the restaurant. Many establishments are willing to help make accommodations for folks with mobility or balance concerns. Calling ahead and anticipating your loved one’s needs allows the staff to plan ahead, so that you can focus on what you are doing—spending time together— instead of how you can ensure a smooth transition into the activity.
Set a code word for your loved one with PD to say to you. The code word could mean they need to leave, need a break to rest, etc. Ask them their expectations and boundaries in advance. Be clear in your communications with them and them with you. Also, take them at their word. If they say they are fine, believe them.
Also have fun with your loved one with PD. Make memories with them and show them how much you love and appreciate them.