Do you have a loved one who requires full time care? Is a family member providing that care? If the answer to both of these questions is yes, have you thought about what you could do to show your appreciation or understanding of what they do? Family caregivers are unsung heroes who work tirelessly to help elderly or disabled family members without much recognition from the outside world. Is the caregiver in your family also juggling his or her caregiving responsibilities alongside paid work outside the home and caring for his or her own children? November is National Family Caregivers Month, this would be a perfect time for you and other family members to take time to honor and show how much you value the caregiver in your family.
One way to show your appreciation would be to arrange a morning or afternoon off for the caregiver once a week. You or other family members could take turns and take over caregiving responsibilities. If no one has the time, then everyone could agree to hire a professional caregiver once a week.
Another way to show concern about your family caregiver would be for different family members to offer to bring supper over or supervise the kids or even pick up the kids from school while the caregiver goes to the gym or gets a haircut or shops for groceries. These suggestions all show the caregiver that you understand how much he or she gives and gives to your loved one and that he or she needs time for him- or herself. Together your family can probably come up with even more ideas.
Finally, remember to be mindful of the need for the family caregiver to take care of his- or herself by exercising, eating healthy and getting plenty of rest. Then he- or she can give wholly of him- or herself to the extremely important tasks of providing round the clock care for your loved one.
Has this article raised more questions in regard to caregiving? Do not hesitate to reach out to our office anytime to make an appointment.