5 Ways to Show Appreciation During Family Caregivers Month
November is National Family Caregivers Month, and for those who are caregivers or know someone who is, you know how hard they work to ensure their loved ones are safe, healthy, and happy. Family caregivers constantly make sacrifices and put everyone else before themselves, so some time-off or a special gift will go a long way in the appreciation department.
Here are some ways to show them a little extra love throughout the month of November. Keep in mind it doesn’t need to end there!
- Treat them to a fun day out. Even with the Coronavirus still among us, we are more than able to leave our houses for a little fun (as long as we are staying safe). Break the traditional routine and treat the caregiver in your life to a fun day out of their choosing. Options may include a local shopping trip to their favorite store or a socially-distanced dinner at their favorite restaurant. Whatever option you decide on is bound to be a wonderful and thoughtful way to show gratitude.
- Have the person they care for write them a letter. Family caregivers are often expected to take on caregiving duties because “it’s what they should do,” especially when the person being cared for is a parent or a spouse. However, a little acknowledgement can go a long way, especially when it’s a heartfelt, handwritten letter.
- Give them some time off to rest and recharge. Juggling multiple responsibilities is stressful for anyone, especially a caregiver. They all need time to rest, reflect, and think. Family caregivers do not get vacation days like those of us who work traditional jobs. And many caregivers work full-time jobs while caring for their loved one full time, so you can imagine how easy it is for them to feel burned out. Get together with a group of family members or close friends and come up with a plan to give the caregiver some time off. This could be a great opportunity to try respite care at a safe and reputable assisted living community like UMC.
- Pamper them. Unfortunately, spas are still closed due to Coronavirus complications. However, there are alternate (and safe) ways available to pamper the special caregiver in your life. Most hair salons and nail salons are operating under new COVID-19 guidelines and offer gift cards for customers to redeem at a later time. Before purchasing a gift card for your caregiver, call the desired salon ahead of time to learn more about their current operating guidelines.
- Let them know you’re here for them. Being an around-the-clock caregiver while working an additional job or caring for children can easily overwhelm anyone. Strong mental health is essential to being our best self, but we so often ignore self-care for more pressing responsibilities. Let the family caregiver in your life know that you’re available for emotional support, and perhaps find some online support groups they can join if necessary. Socializing and sharing coping strategies with other people who are in the same situation is proven to be very therapeutic and beneficial.
Consider an Assisted Living Option at UMC
Caregiving doesn’t necessarily end once your loved one moves into assisted living. Many family members visit their loved ones multiple times a week to ensure they are happy, safe, and healthy. UMC at Collingswood understands it can be hard to transition from a full-time caregiver to someone who sees their loved one a few times a week. Under our new COVID-19 guidelines and in conjunction with current state regulations, we welcome outdoor visitation and limited indoor visitation. Seeing your loved one safe and healthy in our community with others just like them, will give you the peace of mind you need.
For more information about United Methodist Communities at Collingswood, or if you have any other questions about assisted living, please contact us today. Discover why we are the trusted assisted living community for so many people in and around Camden County, NJ.
