5 Thoughtful Gifts For Caregivers

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Caregivers are our unsung heroes. We often tell the caregivers that they need to take care of themselves but forget that their day to day life is quite different than the rest of us.

Caregiving has a tremendous impact others. Their actions are the definition of strength and courage while surrounded by heartbreak and human suffering. If you carefully observe a caregiver you will see them transform into a real-life superhero. They are always putting the patient’s needs above their own. Their selfless actions are a reminder to the patient that they are never alone. Unfortunately, we often overlook the caregiver and tend to think they are mechanical. Maybe it’s our hectic schedules and tendency to procrastinate; maybe it’s our fear of the unknown. Or maybe it’s because our caregivers are the most selfless group of individuals on the planet who are acting out of pure unconditional love often forgetting their own needs. Whatever the reason, it’s important to recognize our caregivers on a regular basis, not just on the big holidays. Caring for the caregiver is vital for their well being and to avoid burnout.

Here is a list of suggestions to help our caregivers.

Check in on the Caregivers

Please do not stay away because you are fearful of the what ifs. It is easy for the caregiver to get stuck in the daily routine and become overwhelmed. A visit from a loved one can really break the monotony and cheer up not only the caregiver but the patient. The entire family never forgets the people who continue to visit despite how bleak the patient’s health is. If you live too far away to visit, try sending the caregiver a greeting card every week or month that expresses your appreciation, admiration and faith in them. Cards of encouragement will really brighten their day. If your budget allows, flowers are also a great gift. Fresh flowers make everyone feel special. An unexpected bouquet of flowers to the caregivers with a note of appreciation will go a long way.

Relaxation and Pampering

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Caregivers are often so wrapped up in caregiving that they usually forget about themselves. A day at the spa might be a welcomed gift. It is important to know that it is best to check with the caregiver ahead of time before scheduling any activities. Make sure the caregiver has ample time for a spa day and they have someone tending to the patient while he or she is out for the day. A nice touch would be to volunteer your time to sit with the patient while the caregiver is out. If a spa day is not possible, why not purchase an aromatherapy diffuser and some lavender essential oil for the caregiver in your life? Some people find lavender effective as a sleep aid. Rose oil is very settling to the emotional heart and helps with panic attacks, grieving and shock. Something as simple as a hot bath might be just what the caregiver needs. Make a package of bath salts, oils and lotions with a note encouraging the caregiver to take a relaxing bath before bed.

A Break

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Caregivers are “on” 24/7 with no breaks. This has a tendency to take a considerable toll on the mind and the body. Caregivers need regular breaks so they have the opportunity to rest, recharge, and take care of their own health. It is important to not be unrealistic. Planning a weekend getaway is just not possible for many caregivers. Instead, try some of these suggestions. Set up meal delivery from a home delivery service. Some options, such as Blue Apron and Hello Fresh deliver all the ingredients for a meal with cooking instructions. You can also order prepared meals from local restaurants and have them delivered. Offering a break with paid care is perhaps the best option. Please note, it is best to let the caregiver select the care, but you can offer to pay the bill. Even if it’s just for an afternoon for the caregiver to get out and run some errands. Perhaps the best gift would be to commit to helping with caregiving tasks on a regular basis. This could mean one weekend a month, one day a month, whatever you can commit to.

Help With Chores

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Every single household has chores that need to get done. It’s simply unavoidable; imagine being a caregiver and watching your list of chores build up with no relief in sight. The list could include mowing the lawn, shoveling the snow, tackling the laundry, unclogging a pesky drain, vacuuming the house. These chores often get pushed to the bottom of the caregiver’s to do list and keep piling up creating stress and anxiety. You could offer to complete these chores yourself or hire a handyman and/or a cleaning service. You could also do this as an ongoing gift and commit to helping with a few household chores every month. Anything you can do to help alleviate the stress for the caregiver is a wonderful gift.

Coffee Dates

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The life of a caregiver can get lonely and isolating. Try to set up regular coffee dates with the caregiver. If they are unable to meet you at the local coffee shop, bring a hot cup of coffee or tea to them. Check in with them, discuss current events, favorite TV shows and most importantly ask them how they are feeling. If you live too far away for regular face to face coffee dates send them a gift card for coffee and set up weekly phone chats. Strive to be a constant, positive force in the caregivers life by showing them that they are loved and appreciated. Establish a regular schedule for coffee dates to show your love and support throughout the year not just on special occasions.

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Caregiving means paying special attention to the minor details and taking note of even the smallest changes in the patient’s behavior. Caregiving means being on 24/7 with very little breaks while struggling to make sense of irrational requests and even demands, and sometimes not feeling appreciated. Caregiving means that you are responsible for the safety, hygiene and overall health of a vulnerable adult all while knowing that this adult is more than likely embarrassed to admit that they need your assistance. The life is a caregiver is not an easy one. Caregivers offer unconditional love and support while many times forgetting that they are human as well. Caregivers are the definition of human bravery and wisdom during our darkest moments and it imperative to recognize them throughout the year and not just on special occasions.