Gift Ideas to Care for Your Caregiver
December 15, 2016
With Christmas just 10 days away, hopefully you’re getting into the spirit of the season with preparations for family and friends, making plans for another fun-filled holiday season. As you’re making your list and checking it twice, don’t forget to consider your caregiver. Few people will ever be as close to you and have as much of an impact on the quality of your life as a good caregiver. They have one of the toughest jobs in the world and it’s important to let them know just how much you appreciate what they do for you. The Holiday Season is your opportunity to turn the tables and provide care for your caregiver!
Stress and burnout can affect almost all caregivers at some point. Between work and family, unfortunately most caregivers can’t afford to take time off to care for themselves. Here are a few options to help your caregiver feel not only appreciated, but pampered!
- Time off – Most caregivers are always burning the candle at both end with time management and can never catch up with demands, let alone take time to relax or do something they enjoy. Giving your caregiver some paid time off to take a “time-out” for themselves can really help them regroup and recharge.
- Relaxation – While they’re taking that time off, how about a little treat to truly relax. Spa packages and gift certificates are a great way to help your caregiver relax and de-stress both body and soul. There’s no better cure for tension than being pampered with a relaxing massage, body treatment or facial.
- Beauty – Often caregivers consider haircuts, pedicures and other salon services as an expensive indulgence that doesn’t happen often enough. Give your caregiver a gift certificate to your caregiver’s favorite salon and let them take some time for that hair appointment they’ve been putting off.
- Health – Maintaining a healthy body is paramount to performing effectively and feeling good as a caregiver. Is your caregiver a yoga enthusiast? How about a punch card to her favorite yoga class? Does she enjoy hiking? A new pair of quality hiking shoes might be nice. Does he use supplements or a special diet? How about a gift certificate for his favorite health food store? A gift card to sports or yoga clothing stores is always a hit. Feed their fitness fire by helping them purchase something they’ve been putting off.
- For the Foodie – As caregivers are usually on a limited budget and have no time, dinner out to a nice restaurant is often a treat that happens far too rarely. Let someone else take care of dinner for your caregiver for a change and give her some time off and a gift card to nice restaurant that fits her tastes.
A great caregiver is priceless and can make such a difference in your comfort and quality of life 365 days a year. The Holiday Season is your opportunity to let them know they’re recognized and appreciated! What other ways can you think of to spread holiday joy to a caregiver this season?
About the Author
Doug Breuer is co-founder of MyCareMatch.com and has worked in senior care for the last 9 years for the State of Oregon. From investigating cases of elder abuse to managing the delivery of long term care to residents of Central Oregon, Doug has been involved in all aspects of senior care.
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