Caregivers deserve to feel appreciated and valued, which is why your family should offer support and praise as often as possible. Showing your gratitude could boost a caregiver’s confidence and emotional health. Below you’ll find ways to thank a caregiver in your family who is helping your senior loved one.
Send Flowers
Sending flowers shows your appreciation for a caregiver’s hard work. The flowers could also boost the caregiver’s mental and emotional health, especially on days that are challenging and draining. Instead of making a random purchase, find out what types of flowers the caregiver loves to show a little more thought and appreciation.
Buy Dinner
Take your family member and loved one to dinner, but make sure to choose the caregiver’s favorite restaurant. Let the caregiver know the dinner is to honor him or her for all he or she does to care for your parent. You can also take the time to cook for the caregiver. Preparing the caregiver’s favorite dishes could mean more than you might imagine.
Allow Time Off
You and your siblings should dedicate a day or weekend every month to taking over your loved one’s care plan and giving the caregiver time to rest, go on a day trip or weekend getaway, or work on personal goals. The objective is to donate time to the person who makes the ultimate sacrifice each day by caring for your parent. During the caregiver’s time away, don’t call him or her with any questions or caregiving-related issues unless it’s an emergency. It’s the caregiver’s time to relax and do things that bring him or her joy.
If you and other family members aren’t able to help with the caregiving duties, consider hiring a professional home caregiver. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Columbus, OH, Assisting Hands Home Care can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home.
Leave a Note
Your schedule could prevent you from interacting directly with the family member who cares for your parent. In these instances, leaving a thank-you note is the perfect way to show gratitude. The message can be as short or as long as you like. The objective is to bring a smile to the caregiver’s face and express your appreciation.
Give a Trip to a Spa
Most caregivers would love to go to a spa for a massage and the opportunity to relax in a steam room. However, they might be reluctant to spend their money on this special treatment. You, your siblings, and your parent can show the caregiver appreciation by purchasing spa certificates he or she can use when time permits. The gift could boost the caregiver’s mood and provide something relaxing to do during his or her time off.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted in-home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help.
Say It with Words
A verbal “thank you” often means more to caregivers than gifts. You can say “thank you” when visiting with your loved one, or you can pick up the phone and call the caregiver directly. Remember to say “thanks” as often as possible. It may seem simple, but stopping your day to show your appreciation could warm the caregiver’s heart.
Another way to express your appreciation for a family caregiver is to help him or her find a professional to help with the caregiving duties. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide in home care. Columbus families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Assisting Hands Home Care today.
