A Season for Giving
November ushers in a season when we stop and reflect on all the people we are grateful for in our lives. A significant blessing that’s easy to overlook is the staff and family members who care for senior loved ones. At Columbine Chateau, we believe this season of thanks is a perfect time to remember family and professional caregivers and show our gratitude for the excellent care they provide.
The Importance of Showing Gratitude
Expressing gratitude to caregivers is important year-round as they work 24/7 to care for the needs of aging loved ones. While the work is rewarding, it can also be challenging. It’s common for caregivers not to realize they may be experiencing the impact of their many responsibilities. Because of their selfless devotion and the continual care they provide, caregiver burnout is common.
Caregivers experiencing burnout often realize changes in sleep patterns, weight or appetite, a loss of interest in favorite activities, or feelings of irritability, anxiety, or depression. As such, one way to help caregivers who experience burnout is to offer your appreciation and support. Showing gratitude can make a significant difference in the lives of any caregiver.
Thankfully, there are several ways to express appreciation to the staff and family members who offer their time and talents to care for others. Saying thanks can be as simple as a phone call or a video visit. Here are other ways to show family and professional caregivers’ appreciation.
Handwritten Notes
A note of thanks is a friendly way to let a caregiver know you appreciate the care and daily support they provide your loved one. A personal expression of gratitude, handwritten notes are tangible messages of appreciation that will warm their hearts.
Many caregivers save such notes to read again on more challenging days, and encouragement is needed. They remember that the work and care they provide make a difference in the lives of aging seniors.
Edible Gifts
Food always makes a joyful gift for caregivers. Some excellent food gift ideas include cookies, granola bars, fruit, mini-muffins, and more. Another idea to show gratitude is by providing a meal. Sandwiches, pizza, salads, and more make a fantastic lunch or dinner for a group of professional caregivers to share, while a meal out provides a treat for a family caregiver.
For professional caregivers, it’s essential to speak with the administration of the assisted living facility to ensure you’re aware of any restrictions, compliance measures, and shift changes. Edible gifts during the holiday season bring back cherished memories and are a great way to express appreciation to the staff and family caregivers.
Expressing Appreciation on Social Media
For family caregivers with social media accounts, showing appreciation on their preferred platform is a great way to bring attention to their exceptional qualities and dedication to senior care.
A social media post becomes a public confirmation of the excellent care staff and families provide senior loved ones. Including a message expressing your gratitude makes the post even more special! Create a post containing words of appreciation or encouragement or a collage of cherished moments; the possibilities are endless.
Give Thanks in Person
Caregivers need the support and appreciation of those they work for and with. So, show an interest in each caregiver. Chat with them and truly listen to what they have to say. When you express interest in staff, they feel valued, and you learn something more about the people supporting the residents of our assisted living community.
Encourage Self Care
Staff and family members who care for aging seniors do not have much time for themselves. You can show appreciation for all their hard work by encouraging them to care for themselves. For family members, offer to visit with your senior loved one so that your family caregiver can take time for a walk, read a book, or visit their local coffee shop for their favorite cup of coffee.
Concluding Thoughts
Showing appreciation to the staff and family members who work diligently to support seniors with activities of daily life shows you care and is appreciated. Expressing your thanks doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A warm note of gratitude may be all it takes to let caregivers know you’re grateful for their dedication to providing high-quality care to their loved ones.