As the holidays approach, I feel compelled to post something on behalf of the caregivers in your lives. A lot of times they are forgotten about, I know from firsthand experience. And although, Hector are truly blessed to have so many people in our lives to lean on, not everyone does. So here are some things to keep in mind over this joyous season: 1) Caregivers usually never get breaks. Often we are faced with hourly medicine dispensation, diaper changes, mealtimes and general care duties. Even if we have outside help coming in, the holidays are usually when that help take vacations of their own. Consider offering your help during the holidays so the caregiver in your life can sleep, do their gift shopping, have a day or night out or just step away from their job to get other things accomplished. 2) On the same topic of offering your assistance, take time to pray for or encourage the caregiver in your life. So many times we are bombarded with peoples opinion of what we should or could do better. We are given unsolicited advice about how to do our job correctly. Sometimes hearing, Youre doing a great job will put the wind in our sails that we need for months. 3) if you plan to visit you family/friend whos a caregiver or the person being cared for, dont be a needy guest. More likely than not, they want you there to get a break from the monotony of their everyday life. While your presence is wanted, your demands for certain meals, sightseeing tours and someone to clean up after you are not. If they have the energy to do it, they will let you know. Being a guest who creates more work for the caregiver just adds to their stress. No bueno. 4) when possible, offer your assistance. We get that what we do is a detailed type of thing. Sure, you may not be able to dispense meds, but you can certainly read a book to the patient or sit with them while the caregiver sneaks in a long bath. 5) send a card after the holidays have passed. If you are thinking of sending a gift to the caregiver in your life, make it practical: a gift card for a housecleaning service, a date night paid sitter that you paid for, even a nice gift card for a dinner delivery service would make a caregiver smile. 6) remember, the caregiver in your life is doing a great thing. Most of the times the caregiver is a person caring for your family member or a dear friend of yours. If thats the case, be gratefully someone is willing and able to do it. You probably cant, but they can and are. That in and of itself deserves some appreciation. From what I know of the group of caregivers I have in my life, they will continue to do it even without anyones appreciation, but should they have to? I dont think so. It only takes a well placed, Thank you for taking care of my (fill in the blank), to make it a good day. Give them that at least. Thanks for reading this LONG post and please share it with the people in your life. Everyone needs to know that caregivers are human too.
Posted on: Tue, 19 Nov 2013 17:39:26 +0000
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