Hosting for New Year's: Recommendations for Caregivers
As the clock winds down on December 31st, many people typically gear up for a night of high energy, late-night toasts, and indulgent "party foods." But for families navigating life with heart failure (HF), the standard New Year’s Eve plans can feel more like a minefield than a celebration. However, a diagnosis doesn't have to mean the end of a traditional evening —it simply requires a new way of thinking. Let's think of ways that we can still feel the joy of the festivities in a safe and meaningful way - that includes everyone!
Considering the midnight countdown
People often try to stay up until midnight to ring in the New Year with loved ones. This may include a countdown, perhaps loud noisemakers, and cheering. This social norm can feel stressful to someone with a heart failure diagnosis because of all the festivities leading up to this moment. These activities can lead to fatigue and/or a flare of symptoms.
As a caregiver, family member, or friend, think of possibly hosting a New Year's Eve event that takes place earlier in the day or evening. Ring in the New Year before midnight with an early countdown, a dinner party, or even a brunch! This can help to create a less stressful environment for a person with heart failure who may feel fatigue quickly on an evening that is stretched out until midnight, and set expectations that help them plan their day accordingly.
Ask yourself questions like:
- Could we consider doing a countdown with another time zone?
- Should we do our own countdown?
- How can we celebrate moving into a new year without having to do a countdown at midnight?
Managing the environment
It's important that you consider the comfort of all of your guests when hosting for New Year's. If you are having someone over with a heart failure diagnosis it may be best to have a conversation with them prior to the event and ask questions about what would make them most comfortable throughout the event.
Would they like a specific seat? What temperature do they prefer the house to be set at? What foods are they able to consume without taking in too much salt or fluid?
Food prep
Are you planning to host an event with food and beverages? Think of offering several low-sodium options at the table. People with heart failure may be monitoring their sodium and fluid intake to prevent swelling (edema) and fluid retention.
If you are having food catered, it would be best to ask for nutritional information that comes with each dish so that you and/or your guest can see the amounts of sodium in the dishes in order to make heart-healthy decisions on what to eat!
Here are some articles about heart healthy diets and alternatives to help you start planning your menu:
Alcohol
Will you be serving alcohol at your event? Are there options for people not drinking alcohol? A special mocktail on the menu may help guests to feel included if they are not taking part in drinking.
It will also be important to consider that a guest with heart failure may be monitoring their fluid intake and it may be appropriate to offer some smaller sized glasses, if possible.
Take time for a toast
Take time to toast! Toast to health, wellness, support, and love! Celebrate the wins from the past year, and that tomorrow is a new day together. Enjoy your celebration and the joy of the festivities in a safe and thoughtful way as we enter into a new year!
Share with us
As a caregiver, family member or loved one, what are some of the lower-stress alternatives you've created to make sure your loved one with HF feels included?
If you have heart failure, what are some ways that you wish others knew about to help you feel included in celebrating these holidays while still maintaining tradition?
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