Is the pandemic giving family caregivers the holiday blues?

That can be something as simple as watching a funny movie or unloading on a trusted friend. It also can mean finding other trusted friends or family members to assist with caregiving duties.

"This year the pandemic may be forcing families to adjust traditional holiday gatherings,” says Charlie Young, CEO of Synergy HomeCare, a national in-home-care franchisor. “But we

shouldn't neglect watching, listening and learning how our aging loved ones are doing." Sometimes a family member or friend who isn't regularly seeing the individual can

notice something that the regular caregiver has overlooked, Stephen points out. The trick this year is balancing family members’ desire and need to help and see their loved ones with the

deadly threat of the coronavirus. Three-quarters of those surveyed by AARP (76 percent) believe there is at least some risk of COVID-19 exposure if they visit with others. Concern is high,

with about 8 in 10 worried about exposure for themselves or their loved ones. Peggy Husch with her grandchildren. Courtesy Peggy Husch That said, 6 in 10 (62 percent) plan to gather with

family in some fashion, and 8 in 10 caregivers who do not live with the person they tend to (80 percent) will visit them this holiday season. Of course, most plan to take precautions when

they visit. That's certainly the case for Vasel and her extended family members. No one will be eating at Mom's house this Thanksgiving. In the past, up to 19 relatives gathered

there, typically congregating around a long dining room table and two card tables. This year, Vasel and her sister and brother will, instead, take turns visiting their mom's house. Even

then, each will visit for only an hour or two. And in order to properly social distance, their mother will be seated, separately, in the living room that is seven steps up from the foyer in

which they will be standing. They'll actually be about 20 feet away from each other and wear their masks the whole time they are visiting. If this works, the family will probably try

the same thing for Christmas, Vasel says. "Mom doesn't like not being able to see and hug her grandchildren,” says Vasel, referring to Peggy's six grandkids and one

great-grandchild. “But we'll do whatever we have to do to keep Mom safe.”