Family and professional caregivers spend a great deal of time caring for others — with some family members averaging 24 hours of care per week, studies show. Although it is truly a labor of love, at times the family caregiver often feels invisible, alone and unappreciated. That is why on Feb. 16, 2024 we want to mark National Caregivers Day. It is important to let your family caregivers know that you get it: You see what they are doing, and you honor and value them.
It is also important on Feb. 16 to honor both our family caregivers and dedicated professional caregivers, LeadingAge reminds us. It is because of both family and dedicated professional caregivers that many seniors have the assurance that they will remain active, healthy and safe well into their later years.
At Brookhouse Home, our compassionate staff are a team who, like many professional caregivers, serve as the backbone of the aging services field, making a difference in older adults’ lives every day. The compassionate professionals working in aging services are experts in providing the essential support we need as we grow older.
The truth is that caregivers are an integral part of society. According to the AARP, caregivers are essential and help with basic needs, food preparation, medical needs, simple movement, housekeeping, transportation, and much more. Most of all, they provide companionship to elderly loved ones. And though caregiving can be very rewarding, sometimes it’s a very overwhelming job. It’s, therefore, crucial and meaningful to show appreciation for caregivers and aides.
There are twelve ways, according to a recent article by Senior Helpers on how to show appreciation for caregivers on Feb. 16.
Treating Them to a Meal
To be a caregiver means that one is putting the needs of someone else above their own. This is a noble work; it takes a unique person to do it with patience and compassion. Sometimes, the best way to show gratitude is by taking them out for a meal at their favorite restaurant.
A Letter or Card of Appreciation
A thank-you card or letter could be as simple as writing a few special and thrilling words on an elegant card or a slip of paper. It’s crucial for the caregiver to feel that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. The simple act of writing this card or letter can have a lasting effect. Letters are always great to keep and reminisce about.
Giving Them a Break
Juggling multiple responsibilities is hectic for anyone, especially a caregiver. Regular breaks allow them to rest, recharge, take good care of their health and do things they enjoy. A break is also an excellent opportunity for the caregiver to focus on their personal responsibilities, meaning their plans won’t be at a standstill.
Verbal Affirmations
Besides a written thank-you card or note, thanking caregivers verbally is a huge reminder that their efforts matter. Making an effort to mark their birthdays, give positive feedback, learn about their families, and appreciate them for the simple little things they do for a senior loved one means a lot to them and encourages them to keep doing more.
Offering a Helping Hand
Offering the caregiver a helping hand or getting someone else to help them cook a few meals or clean the house is a wonderful way to demonstrate gratitude. Whatever it takes to have a few things on the caregiver’s to-do list will be pretty helpful and most likely appreciated.
Making a Gift Basket
Making a personalized gift basket with the items the caregiver loves is a great way to express gratitude. This can include coffee mugs, colognes, lotions, desserts, and decorative items for their home. The thought put into this gift shows the caregiver that their services are truly valued.
Listen Non-judgmentally
Let them share their feelings, tell stories, laugh, cry, vent and process their caregiving experiences. You don’t need to fix anything; you just need to care and to validate their perspectives. Let them know you see they are having a rough time and you understand. Tell them it’s OK to sometimes feel resentment, anger and frustration, along with joy.
Make It Possible for Them to Keep Up with Appointments
Don’t just encourage them to take a break, plan for it. Help them find the time to exercise, get a haircut, travel, go to the post office, go shopping or keep up with their own health care. Offer and follow up — don’t wait to be asked.
Do Online Research for Them.
Help find health care providers, gather information about health conditions, locate medical equipment, or find just the right gadget to meet a special need.
Do Housework and Yard Work (or hire someone to do it) at their home or their loved one’s home.
Cleaning, mowing the grass, handling holiday decorations and other tasks on top of caregiving can be overwhelming. Fix things or pay for a handyperson to do so.
Help Them Get Organized.
Ease their stress by tackling that messy closet or cabinet, organizing medical supplies, cleaning out the refrigerator or clearing clutter in the home. You can even hire a professional organizer to guide and/or do the organizing. Run errands. Pick up groceries, care supplies, household items or dry cleaning, or arrange and pay for delivery.
Tell Them How Great They Are.
Be specific. Point out the many ways in which they are making a real difference in their loved ones’ lives. Celebrate the victories, small and large. Tell them you see their skills and resilience in even the most difficult of circumstances.
