Caregiver Compassion

Is there someone in your family receiving services from a caregiver?  It could be a family member or someone who is paid to care for the infirmed or elderly loved one.  Have you ever thought about the strength that it takes for someone to be a care giver?  

If it is a family member providing care, you may think it is their duty or responsibility.  If it is a paid caregiver, you may think that it is their job.  Whatever the situation is, the caregiver deserves to be acknowledged, recognized, and yes, even pampered.  They work tirelessly caring for your loved one and can appreciate the smallest gestures. 

Yes, the third Friday of every February is celebrated as National Caregivers Day, but that is once a year.  Perhaps the caregiver you know deserves to be celebrated more frequently. 

I’m not referring to anything grandiose.  Small, unexpected gestures can be meaningful.  Here are some suggestions:

• Give the caregiver ten minutes of your time to just let them talk and you do the listening.
• If you are able, perhaps you could arrange for them to have an unexpected hour break to take a walk, make a phone call, grab a relaxing cup of coffee or tea – just some time to recharge. 
• A small trinket or gift card may brighten their day.
• Doing something to help the caregiver without them asking can mean a lot.
• Rather than saying “let me know if I can help”, ask “what can I do to help?”

Perhaps you don’t have a caregiver caring for a loved one, but you have a friend or acquaintance who is a caregiver.  You can always give them a little recognition for the job they do.  A few kind words may be just what they need to hear or just offering a listening ear or a trinket may help to lift their spirits if they have been caring for someone going through a difficult time.  

Thank you, caregivers. 

Tags: Caregivers