It is natural for a caregiver to develop a routine as they provide daily care to a loved one.

Over the holidays, however, this routine tends to get interrupted as family members and friends come to visit. Many visitors want to help caregivers who seem to have their hands full, and this can provide welcome respite for some.

However, some caregivers can find the constant questions of "what can I do?" even more tiresome. That was the case for Dave Bach, author of Cancer for Two, which details his journey as he cared for his wife while she battled breast cancer.

"These well-intentioned people were making it MY responsibility to find something for THEM to do so THEY would feel better. I had so much to do - I really didn't need or want any additional responsibilities," he writes for WebMD.com.

All caregivers have their preferences, but the Alzheimer's Association recommends preparing for the holidays by making a simple inventory of people who you may be able to ask for help and itemize tasks that they could help with. This may also include organizations like senior living facilities that can host your loved one for a short-term respite stay while the caregiver shops or makes other holiday preparations.