Holidays afford you the ability to show your family caregiver how thankful you are for the service they provide. They perform the tireless job so that you don’t have to. Here are some gift ideas to show you appreciate them and all they do.
Spa treatment. Give the gift of a massage, manicure, pedicure, facial—some or all of the above. Family caregivers are, by definition, always caring for others. The holidays are a perfect time to pamper them.
Dinner and a Movie (for two). No doubt the family caregiver deserves some time off, and nothing beats dinner and a movie—it brings to mind the best of date nights. A big complaint among family caregivers is the isolation they sometimes feel. Give gift certificates for two so the caregiver can do the asking.
Goodie Basket. When you’re working with a fixed income, as many family caregivers do, chocolate truffles, a nice bottle of wine or the occasional pomegranate are luxury indulgences. Put together a nice basket full of items the caregiver wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves. Build the basket around a theme like An Afternoon in Provence, Escape to Tuscany or a Chocolate-Lover’s Basket.
Medical Alert System. Sometimes a family caregiver is afraid to step away from their charge for even a few hours. The fear is that something awful could happen the moment the caregiver closes the door. A Medical Alert System affords the caregiver peace of mind that the elder loved one could get outside help during an emergency if they themselves are not present.
Cash or Gift Cards. Let’s face it, family caregiving is not a lucrative profession. Many family caregivers take unpaid leave or cut down on their work hours to help care for a senior loved-one. Gift cards and cash are well earned, always welcome and are always the right size.
Gift Certificates for Classes. Family caregivers often give up the outside activities that once gave them joy. What do they love (and miss) doing? Tennis? Yoga? A gift of a class will not only give them some much-needed time away from the routine of caregiving, but also give them a new social outlet.
Time. Give your family caregiver a few hours to themselves. If you can’t provide the respite care yourself, turn to a trusted Home Care Agency to provide a few hours of relief for the family caregiver. Family caregiver burnout is a real problem, no matter what time of year. You can give your family caregiver some downtime and breathing space with the gift of a reprieve.
And remember, these gifts are not only for the holidays…your family caregiver can use these thoughtful offerings all year long.
