Caregivers work tirelessly around the clock to ensure that the ones you love are taken care of. It’s easy for much of a caregiver’s daily care to go unnoticed or unappreciated, but it’s important for us to take time to show gratitude to those people who give endlessly to others. Here are some ways we can show gratitude to caregivers – they deserve it!
The Power of Words
We sometimes underestimate the power of words. Simply expressing verbal appreciation to a caregiver, letting them know that you acknowledge and appreciate the care they provide, can be quite meaningful. The next time you interact with a family caregiver, take a few moments to have a heart-to-heart and let them know how grateful you are for the hours they dedicate to making your loved one’s life comfortable.
Relaxation & Rejuvenation
Caregivers spend the majority of their day being active – bending down, lifting, walking, etc. Consider treating your caregiver to a spa day, massage, or other opportunity to get some relaxation while rejuvenating their body. They’ll be sure to appreciate the chance to feel rested, and they’ll be even more appreciative that you thought of them.
Positive Feedback
If your caregiver works with a facility, like ours do at Arizona Homestead, you can show your appreciation by leaving a positive note with their supervisor or those who oversee their caregiving. Your loved one’s caregiver will truly feel appreciated if they know that you have gone out of your way to report positive things about them.
Remembering Special Days
Caregivers are regular people, just like us – that means they might celebrate Christmas, Easter, or some other holiday. Find out which holidays your caregiver values, and remember them on their special days. Add them to your gift-buying list, or consider buying them a gift for a day that’s special just to them, like their birthday or an anniversary.
You are my caregiver:
I see love in your smile of approval when you bring me to the table for dinner.
I know you care when you say, “I love You” as you leave the room.
I feel secure with your touch when you are assisting me to my chair or combing my hair.
I appreciate the respect you show to me when I feel foolish or afraid.
Your willingness to listen to my stories gives me hope that my life is important to you.
Your words of encouragement and affirmation strengthen my resolve when I just want to quit.
I need you, I love you, I thank you
~Bryan Trask, President/CEO, Arizona Homestead
Personalized Gifts
Does your family caregiver like to read? Do they collect something specific? Giving your caregiver a small gift specific to their hobbies is a great way to let them know that you listen to them and remember details about their life.
Helping Out
You can show appreciation for your family caregiver by lending a helping hand whenever you can. Caregiving, though extremely fulfilling, can be a difficult task, and simple actions to lighten the load can go a long way in your caregiver’s eyes to let them know that you see and appreciate their efforts.
A Heartfelt Letter
Writing a heartfelt letter to your family member’s caregiver may sound cheesy, but handwritten letters are loved, treasured, and sometimes kept forever! Spend some time writing a handwritten letter to the caregiver outlining some of their actions that you are most grateful for. You’d be surprised – it might bring tears to their eyes and be the perfect motivation for them to keep going
Thank a Caregiver Today
Caregivers dedicate their lives to helping others, and they should know how much we appreciate their efforts. Take the time to thank a caregiver in a meaningful way today – they deserve it! The caregivers at Arizona Homestead are among the most compassionate and hardest-working in our state. If you have a loved one who needs quality, personalized care, give us a call today.