Ever have the holiday guest with medical needs, or diet needs, that didn't let you know prior to their arrival that they had those needs?
Ask about special diets, food or environmental allergies before the guest arrive. If you are prepared you won't be caught at the last minute, when it can be very inconveinent. Menu planning prior to their arrival allows them to participate in the planning and gets you off the hook for any "needs" they may have and not tell you about.
If guests tell you they have some food allergies, or need a special diet. Encourage them to bring what is hard to find, and let them know you will be glad to take them shopping. This will give them a chance to participate with meals. Having some control will lessen their stress which mean you will have less as well.
Most of us are occasionally bothered by diarrhea. Can you imagine having a bowel condition that is set off by stress, foods, change in routine, or for no good reason? What if you had to go 20 times a day. Imagine the cramping or panic that you won't make it to the bathroom. Make sure your guest bathroom is stocked for "bathroom emergencies" like extra TP, pads or tampons for women/girls menstruating, baby wipes for tender bums. These little extras can make everyone feel welcome and safe.
It takes courage, love and support to travel. Be the supportive host.
People who take blood pressure medications sometimes also take a "water pill." This can also be used for heart and other conditions. If you know that your guest takes a "water pill" realize that your guest will have to urinate (pee) more often. Water pills pull water to the kidneys so they can get rid of the excess. They avoid taking it, so they won't be a "bother"..... what is a bother is ending up in the emergency room with them...
I was at the Theatre during the Christmas Holiday. The elderly lady sitting next to me smelled like urine. I leaned over and told her I was going to the ladies room and I was a nurse. Did she need to go? She grabbed her bag and we went. She had the same diaper on since the morning!. The family had her on the go so much she had never been able to get to a bathroom. She needed some help. She didn't want to ask for it and her family didn't know the need.
Diabetics need to time their insulin with their meals. They should not skip meals. They may need a snack. Take a minute to do some internet research if you have questions. Diabetics know their disease and what symptoms mean.
We all tend to eat more, it's important to move too! Get outside if you can, plan age appropriate activites and put someone else in charge of it! Involve everyone! Just like traveling, a little preparation can save you time and give you the strength to handle everything else that comes up!
Put medications away, do not leave pain medication where it can be found! Make sure your meds are out of reach for the kids!
Be a gracious host. But do not be a doormat. You do not need to manage their disease. If you have ask and were not told in advance of special diets, allergies or other concerns. Shame on the person who didn't tell you. No guilt for you!
Provide hand soap, use disinfecting wipes for public areas like, faucets, door handles, remotes.. you get the idea.
Remember the spirit of the season is giving, it can start with a smile to a stressed stranger, hold the door open.
Thank a soldier.
Count your blessings, and may you have more than you know!
Bev and Chris
