Supporting Caregivers During the Holidays: Insights from Lori Russell

The holiday season is a time of celebration, connection, and joy—but for caregivers, it can also bring added stress and unique challenges. Balancing the demands of caregiving, work, and holiday preparations often leaves little room for self-care or rest.

We’re proud to highlight Lori Russell, Lead Care Navigator and Coach with Elizz and SE Health, who was recently featured in The Toronto Star. In the article, Lori shares her perspective on the pressures caregivers face and how they can better navigate the busy holiday season.

Recognizing Caregivers and Their Needs

“A lot of times people don’t even realize they are a caregiver,” Lori explains. “They just look after mom and dad, get their groceries, help them pay their bills at the bank, but they don’t even realize they are a caregiver.”

Lori’s role is to support these individuals, helping them access resources and find strategies to balance their responsibilities. During the holidays, when stress often peaks, this support becomes even more critical.

Holiday Challenges for Caregivers

Statistics from Elizz.com reveal that 37% of caregivers reported feeling “stressed” or “in crisis” in December—significantly higher than at other times of the year. Contributing factors include juggling caregiving duties with holiday errands, work commitments, and the emotional toll of including aging or ill loved ones in holiday traditions.

Tips to Ease Holiday Stress

Lori and other experts, like Amy Coupal, CEO of the Ontario Caregiver Organization, suggest strategies to help caregivers manage:

1. Set Realistic Expectations: Adjust holiday traditions to suit the needs of the person being cared for and focus on creating meaningful moments.
2. Seek Support: Ask family and friends for help with caregiving duties or holiday preparations.
3. Recognize and Plan Ahead: Identify potential challenges early and create a plan to address them.
4. Embrace New Traditions: It’s okay to let go of past traditions and find joy in creating new ones.

Caregiver Support with Elizz

At Elizz, we’re dedicated to helping caregivers feel supported year-round. Lori and our team of caregiver coaches provide personalized guidance, resources, and encouragement to help caregivers manage their roles with confidence and care.

Read the full article: Tips to Balance Holiday Expectations with the Realities of Day-to-Day Care

Need support this holiday season?
Visit Elizz.com to connect with Lori and our team of expert coaches. Let us help you find balance, relief, and joy during the holidays—and beyond.