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With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we feel the need to show the people in our lives how much they mean to us and that we appreciate having them in our lives. For those of us who rely on a caretaker to help care for our loved ones, we want to show them our gratitude, so we have created a list of five simple ways to show the caretaker in your life how grateful you are for all their hard work and care.
“Thank you.” Two little words that can change a person’s day. Sometimes we get so caught up in what is going on around us that we forget that simply saying thank you can have a large impact on a person. Saying this to a caretaker shows them that even the little things they do to help are appreciated. Knowing they are appreciated is important, and even a gesture as simply saying thank you is enough to let your caretaker know how much their work means to you and your loved one.
Take the time to write them a thank you note. Make the note personal by listing specific things you appreciate their help with, as it is important to let them know you notice even the little things they do. You could explain how their help impacts you and your loved, and you could even include how their positive attitude helps you and your loved one stay positive and motivated. Is there an activity your loved one’s caretaker does with your loved one that improves their mood and/or overall health? Show how much it means to you that your loved one is in the care of someone who goes above and beyond to help you and your loved one each day.
Gifts are always an option when you want to show someone gratitude. If you want to keep it simple, you could give them flowers, or if you wish to do something more you could give them a gift card to their favorite restaurant they enjoy going to. If there is a store they love to shop at, you could give them a gift card for it. A gift card to a salon or spa would also be a nice gesture as well. If you enjoy baking, you could bake them a treat, or if you like to do crafts, then you could make them a gift to show how much you appreciate their care. Have your loved one help you decide what you want to do for their caretaker. They may have a better idea of what they would like after spending more time with them.
There are a couple of ways for you to recognize your caretaker and their efforts for you and your loved one. First, you could give them a day off that they could use to go out with friends or relax around their own home with no obligations beyond their own care. Another way to show you recognize their efforts would be to give them a bonus. This is a great idea for the holidays, when we tend to spend more on gifts for others.
Take the time to show your caretaker that you care about them as an individual by getting to know them. You know how much they do for you and your loved one, and it would be nice to give back to them simply by taking the time to listen. Find out about their family, what they like to do in their free time, what they are interested in trying. This will show that you truly appreciate them not just for what they do, but for who they are.
We know that the caretaker in your life is extremely important to you. If you’re exploring the option of transitioning your loved one to a senior living community, we can help. Contact our care consultants to learn how we can help you care for your senior.
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