Showing Appreciation to Caregivers

Caregiving is a universal experience. Nearly everyone will, at one point in their life, either be a caregiver, need a caregiver, or oftentimes both. Caregiving requires a personal touch, to do what is needed to relieve stress and burdens on those who need care, and their loved ones. Whether a caregiver is part of your family, a close friend, or someone hired from an outside agency, they will develop personal relationships while taking care of needs and business both in and outside of the house. Regardless if the caregiver is providing care to you, or to a loved one, there are a few simple ways to say thank you.

Writing a note may seem old-fashioned in this new technological age, but you can’t go wrong with the basics. A handwritten, tangible note can give them something to return to over and over again to read and recreate that initial feeling of being appreciated. It doesn’t need to be terribly long or elaborate, just a genuine expression of how grateful you are for all their hard work and everything they do.

While the caregiver’s responsibility is making sure that tasks and work are completed appropriately, letting them know with words of appreciation will never be unwelcome. Making sure to remember your please and thank yous whenever speaking with a caregiver can constantly make your gratitude known.

Since providing care full-time, or even part-time, can be a demanding job both physically and emotionally, encouraging caregivers to indulge in self-care and express their emotions can help them to maintain their sense of personhood and sanity. Let them know it’s alright for them to take a break or a breather from time to time for themselves.