By Reiley K.

As the holiday season approaches, we often feel a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and stress. Whether worries of winter travel, visiting family, or hosting duties pop up, we all have something on our minds. For caregivers, this time of year can add to an already high stress load. And nobody wants to be burned out during the holidays.

In the United States, about 1 in 3 adults serves as a familial or informal caregiver. They also report higher levels of stress compared to individuals who are not caregivers (Mayo Clinic). We know that stress has many impacts on your mood, body, and behavior. Symptoms like anxiety and depression, fatigue, sleep problems, and unhealthy coping mechanisms are common among those who experience a lot of stress on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the holiday season often enhances the feeling of stress among caregivers as they may feel underappreciated or resentful of other family members who are not in a care giving roll.

Managing these feelings and stressful situations is difficult, but it can be done.

Make your holiday plans simpler.
If your usual activities tend to overwhelm you, it is 100% okay to simplify things. Asking family members to make the majority of holiday meals, getting help with decorating (or decorating less), and if it is accessible, requesting that another person host are all options that could reduce stress load.

Take opportunities for self-care.
It may seem like self-care is the last thing you can afford to do, especially during this time of year. However, it is important to take even just 5 minutes to check in with yourself. A quick deep breathing exercise, getting outside in the crisp air, or a warm bath are great opportunities to give yourself the love and care you deserve.

Let others know how you feel.
As they say, communication is key. If things start to become too much, let your loved ones know. This can help minimize misunderstandings and you can set clear boundaries for what you can and cannot do. If you need help, ask those around you.

Go with the flow.
Plans are bound to change when it comes to the holidays. Adapting traditions to be more accessible for both you and those you care for is a great way to ensure everyone you love can be included. If things don’t go according to plan, remember that it is okay to let things go. Find joy in the small moments, nonetheless.

Learn about your resources and support.
Finding support groups and resources to help manage caregiver and holiday stress offers the ability to get more information that will fit YOUR needs. Colorado Respite Coalition is a fantastic starting point. You can learn more HERE.

As you navigate the holiday season, remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for others. By managing stress, setting boundaries, and embracing small moments of joy, you can create a more peaceful holiday for both you and those in your care. Here’s to a season filled with balance, self-compassion, and meaningful connections!

By Mitzi Tolman (From Summer 2024 Connections Newsletter)

Watching your parents age is hard, but for a minute consider this same process through your child’s eyes. Aging loved ones can be difficult to process for them, but a few ideas to maintain strong relationships as the time together looks different:

1. Share with your grandchild things you liked to do at their age. Connect with teenagers by watching videos of shows that you used to enjoy. Be prepared for them to laugh with you at the graphics and special effects.
2. Have a game night and each bring a favorite game to play.
3. Write cards or draw pictures that you can put up to think of each other.
4. Book club with them. Read either a book you enjoyed as a child or better yet, ask them to bring you a book they enjoy. Discuss the book.
5. Share your story – less and less people know about polio – share what it is like for you, what it was like growing up during the epidemic, make sure to share positive as well as negative experiences.

Recently I went to Washington state to see my daughter and took my mother. She shared all about going to the World’s Fair in Seattle with her family while she was in high school and how the lines were so long, she didn’t get to go to the top of the Space Needle. Taking a day to give her that experience is something that both will always cherish.

Save precious time – know and respond quickly to the signs of stroke

Recognizing the warning signs of a stroke can be life-saving. Strokes can occur suddenly and require immediate medical attention to minimize long-term damage and improve recovery outcomes. Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the U.S. and 5th in the world. It is also the leading cause of preventable disability in the U.S.

Below is a list of common stroke warning signs to help you quickly identify when you or someone else may be experiencing a stroke. Awareness and prompt action are key to combating the severe effects of this medical emergency. Call 911 if you or someone you’re with notices these unexplained, sudden warning signs:

• A feeling of numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg (You might notice it on one side more than the other.)
• Vision problems in one or both eyes
• Dizziness or loss of balance; difficulty walking
• Confusion
• Problems speaking or understanding what other people are saying
• Severe headaches without warning or explanation

Women may have the same symptoms as men, but they’ve also reported a few others. These symptoms also happen suddenly and unexpectedly:

• Pains in the face or legs
• Hiccups
• Nausea
• Feeling weak all over
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heart beat

Remember, recognizing these warning signs early can make a significant difference in stroke outcomes. If you or someone else experiences any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Acting quickly can help save lives and improve recovery chances. Always prioritize health and never hesitate to call emergency services if you suspect a stroke.

Need stroke resources or programming? Learn more with Easterseals Colorado’s Neurological Rehabilitation Adult Day Program.

From the 2022 Easterseals Colorado Annual Report

An interview with Dave and Wendy Dennis, long-time volunteers with Easterseals Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Village camp.

What is the inspiration behind your getting involved with Easterseals Colorado and Rocky Mountain Village (RMV)?
Dave: My sister Lisa worked at camp in 1984 and had a great experience. I was inspired by her stories. Prior to that, our aunt Mary had Down Syndrome. She had a significant impact on our family. Her mother, my grandmother, was instrumental in creating ARC in Cedar Rapids in Iowa in the 1950-60s. My mother was a special education teacher for 30 years. She also volunteered at RMV camp.
Wendy: Initially, I followed Dave. We worked the summer of 1990 together. It was a unique and life changing experience to be at camp. The campers shared their stories with me and allowed me to care for them and experience camp with them. The Muscular Dystrophy group confided in me with their life struggles. The Hemophilia group practiced IV access on my arms. I learned how to drive a powered wheelchair down from outcamp at night, without light! I learned that campers trusted me in the pool to help them swim. I learned that being able bodied didn’t mean I was more entitled or necessarily good at caring for others. Truly a humbling experience! If there is ever a life experience to teach an individual to treat someone the way you want to be treated, this was it! Side note, after 30 years of marriage, I will still follow Dave wherever he goes!

What is the one moment that excited you most about your involvement?
Enjoying an atmosphere of persons with disabilities just simply enjoying camp and being surrounded with people who can make that magic happen. The camp staff truly give of themselves. The camp staff give their time and energy to benefit the camp, but the campers also give life enriching experiences. It seems to be of mutual benefit. It appears to be an ordinary daily exchange of activities, but it reaches deep for all involved. Every day is extra-ordinary in the most genuine of exchanges. It is felt at the barn, at the fishing pond, at the zip line, at any meal. It is a very special place, for all involved.

What has surprised you most about working with Easterseals Colorado/RMV?
A lot! We had never experienced a camp environment and we were very new to Colorado. We were impressed by how much everyone was just happy to be present. We learned from the camp nurse about disabilities, medications, pressure wounds, seizures, catheters, etc. It was Wendy’s first true introduction to nursing and it became her passion.

What do you wish other people knew about Easterseals Colorado/RMV?
The people. The campers and the staff, volunteers, everyone! Just a little goes a long way. Whether it is volunteering at camp with the camp facilities or the people that attend the camp or giving in the form of donations. Every little bit makes a big difference in the campers’ experience. More than you would think.

When your friends or family find out that you are involved with Easterseals Colorado and RMV, what do they say or ask?
The answers are easy. Being at camp and helping an organization that helps those in need is very fulfilling. Everyone in our family has spent time at Rocky Mountain Village. It helps Easterseals but it also helps the individuals that give to Easterseals. Some of my favorite memories are when our three daughters were with us staying at camp for a weekend painting or doing other needed projects.

Rising Phoenix tells the inspirational stories of Paralympic athletes and explores how the Paralympic Games have become a global movement celebrating disability and perseverance.

Full Circle follows Trevor Kennison, a snowboarder who experienced a severe spinal cord injury leading to his being paralyzed. Kennison takes us on his journey of learning to navigate life and snow once again after his life changed forever.

Resurface profiles veterans suffering from PTSD who find healing and hope through the therapeutic power of surfing.

The Push follows Grant Korgan, who, despite being paralyzed from the waist down, embarks on a grueling journey to the South Pole, demonstrating incredible determination and strength.

Zion is a short documentary that focuses on Zion Clark, a young wrestler born without legs, showcasing his relentless drive and the support system that helps him succeed.

El límite infinito chronicles the life of Jean Maggi, an athlete who overcame the limitations of polio to participate in extreme sports, highlighting his achievements and contributions to adaptive sports advancement.

My Beautiful Broken Brain follows Lotje Sodderland as she rebuilds her life and sense of self after a severe brain hemorrhage, exploring themes of identity, memory, and neuroplasticity.

The Weight of Water captures the journey of Erik Weihenmayer, a blind adventurer, as he kayaks the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, illustrating his profound resilience and spirit. WATCH HERE.

Endless Abilities take us along with four best friends travel across the country documenting their experiences with adaptive sports for people with disabilities like themselves, breaking boundaries and achieving common goals along the way. WATCH HERE.

As of July 15, 2024, most of these films can be watched on Netflix unless otherwise noted.