Treasured Gifts for the Family Caregiver

As we celebrate National Family Caregiver Month – and as we prepare for Thanksgiving and gift-giving season – it seems appropriate that we focus on ways we might thank the family caregivers in our lives. I’ve already received several good ideas, and of course I welcome your ideas.

• Time is typically the greatest form of gift we can provide the fatigued family caregiver. An offer to stay with     their ill or aging loved one while they run to the store, to church, or out for a cup of coffee are greatly appreciated. Time to themselves is the one thing family caregivers quickly sacrifice.

• Why not consider a home-made coupon book: “This coupon entitles you to one afternoon at the library, and I’ll replace you at home.”

• Sometimes, the best gift a caregiver can receive is a simple note or card reminding them that they are loved and valued. Include an inspiring verse or scripture. Most caregivers are only too accustomed to the daily mail being filled with medical bills. Your note of kindness will be immediately noticed and cherished.

• A caregiver’s “care package” is an especially kind remembrance. Be creative in filling it: a couple of magazines (which are easy to pick up and put down as time permits); a lightly scented candle; some chocolates; bubble bath; hand cream; a small sachet; a favorite artist’s CD …all of these are simple and affordable ideas to lighten the family caregiver’s load.

• As the holiday season approaches, many family caregivers are simply too busy to take the time to decorate for any holiday, offer to help decorate their home for the holidays or address envelopes for their holiday cards.

• Purchase a simple, inexpensive, cheerful holiday decoration, this can works wonders to lift spirits. 

• Offer to take their car for an oil change or to have the snow tires put on.

• Holiday pies and cookies are often welcomed, as long as the quantities don’t provide a storage problem. Caregivers rarely have time to bake for the season.

• Can the calming impact of home-made chicken soup ever be over-rated? No! Especially in those climates where temperatures are much cooler.

• One dish meals that can be easily frozen for a future meal, using a disposable container is very helpful also to decrease the workload of the caregiver.

Have you done something very special for a family caregiver? I’d love to hear more. Email me at caregiver2caregiver@gmail.com