5 Great Ways to Show Appreciation to a Family Caregiver
Being a caregiver is a rewarding experience, but with its demands, it can also leave the caregiver feeling burnt out, as well as drain you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
If you know someone who is a care provider, it is important to know the signs of caregiver burnout. It is also important to show them they are appreciated and that they themselves are worthy of support.
There are so many ways you can show a caregiver some appreciation. One of the most impactful ways to support someone who takes care of a loved one is to give them a break. A little respite for a care provider, even for just a few hours, can be the difference between burnout and being able to continue safely caring for their loved one.
In this article, we give some signs to look for if you suspect caregiver burnout, plus five ways you can show a caregiver in your life that they are appreciated.
What is caregiver burnout?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. It may be accompanied by a change in attitude, from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned. Burnout can occur when caregivers don't get the help they need, or if they try to do more than they are able, physically or financially.”
Some signs of caregiver burnout that you can watch out for are:
Withdrawal from social events
Withdrawal from friends and family
Changes in weight and appetite
Feelings of depression and anxiety
Resentment towards the person being cared for
Loss of interest in hobbies and activities they once enjoyed
Change in sleep patterns
Becomes easily angry or annoyed
Substance abuse
Increased health problems or frequent colds
5 ways to show appreciation to a family caregiver
Help them out in their home
Caregivers use so much of their time and energy taking care of others that their own home can become unattended to and in need of some TLC.
The reality is when a caregiver goes home, they are usually exhausted, and returning to a home that feels chaotic or messy can make decompressing impossible.
Offer to tidy up for them, do a load of dishes or laundry, do some yard work, or even run some errands for them. If you are headed to the grocery store, you can send a quick text asking if they need anything. Not having to stop at the grocery store after working can help give them back some time with family and other activities they enjoy.
Let them vent
Sometimes people just need to vent, and they need someone who is going to listen. Caregivers have an extremely challenging job, and holding space for them to just talk will be very much appreciated. Don't try to offer advice, solutions, or your opinion; just listen.
Sometimes letting it all out and having someone to listen without judgment can make a world of difference. Let them speak without interrupting, and validate their feelings.
Do something random and thoughtful
It's no secret that caregivers can fall into feelings of loneliness and isolate themselves.
A random gesture of kindness can help make them feel appreciated and let them know they are not alone. You can send them a text to check in on them, send them a boutique of their favorite flowers, a meal from their favorite restaurant, or a small gift card that they can use on something that brings them joy.
Don't forget to invite them to social events. Even if they decline every invite you send them due to being too tired or worn out, being asked is still appreciated. It will make them feel like they are welcome and they belong.
Cook for them
After a long day of caring for others, it is easy to come home and fall into a pattern of take-out meals, eating something less nutritious, or not eating at all. Making a caregiver in your life a homemade meal is an excellent way to show appreciation for them.
Home-cooked meals that can be frozen and have portions heated and served throughout the week is another way to provide a delicious meal when it is needed most. It may not seem like much, but a home-cooked meal can make a big impact on a caregiver feeding their family and getting the proper nutrition for good health and sustained energy.
Go do something fun
Being a caregiver can sometimes feel like things are consistently heavy and serious, and they can be when taking care of someone who is ill. Taking the care provider in your life out to have some fun can help interject some levity.
If they aren’t up for going out to do an activity, you can bring some fun to them. Get some board games, pick a good movie, or coordinate with a few friends to get together for a fun night in.
You could also give them a gift card to use when they have time to do something they enjoy. You can personalize gift cards to the activities our outlets they enjoy most, and they can be purchased from most retailers or online.
Conclusion
Being a caregiver is a big responsibility and can result in any number of unintended issues, such as caregiver burnout if they do not have the support they need. Showing someone you are there for them, when they are consistently there for others, can mean the world.
It doesn't have to be an extravagant gesture; a simple text, phone call or home-cooked meal can lift someone's spirits and help them know they too are cared for.
A small, random gesture of kindness can help caregivers feel appreciated and that they are not alone.
