Working singularly is the norm for most caregivers, because they prefer to tackle the situation on their own. This is understandable, as they would know best on how to care for a disabled or elderly family member. However, living as a caregiver can grow into a lonely task. Most friends or neighbors either don’t understand a caregiver’s situation or are uncomfortable on how to approach them. Caregivers don’t have to feel isolated. You can help.
Caregivers are independent and often forget to take care of themselves. They may appear to brush off help, but inwardly, they need it. Everyone appreciates a little assistance here and there. They may shy away from too much attention, but encouragement and support for their occupation is greatly appreciated. Your kindness won’t go unnoticed, and you may be the refreshing break that they need from their crazy routine.
*Note* This does not apply to every caregiver.
1. Send he/she an encouraging note card that says “I was thinking of you.”
2. Offer to make them a meal for lunch or dinner and drop it off at their residence. Or if they’d prefer, provide them with food from a restaurant.
3. Keep them in your prayers.
4. If they have kids, offer to take them on a fun outing for the day. Kids in a caregiver’s home will love the attention, and the parent/parents will relish the rest.
5. Buy them a cookbook for quick and easy recipes. Caregivers are limited on time, and this would make a great gift for their daily meals.
6. Set up an event party at their home for a game or movie night.
7. Call ahead to see if you could stop by for a brief visit. Lend an ear and listen to their story.
8. Offer to swing by and be Cinderella for the day. Make dinner, wash dishes, sweep and vacuum the floor, mow the lawn, walk the dog, clean the cat litter box, and empty the garbage.
9. Gift a journal, a candle, and a devotional to the family.
10. Surprise them with a gift in the mail. A bouquet of flowers. A coffee mug and a gift card to a coffee shop. Pamper them with a basket of bath and body products.
11. Give them a hug and a smile. Let them know through your actions that you’re there for encouragement.
12. Invite them to a support group, book club, or a Bible study. Caregivers are busy and they will be grateful for the invitation. Because of their schedule, they may decline it. This, of course, depends entirely on the caregiver’s position.
13. Offer to pick up their groceries and run misc. errands.
14. Plan a birthday party at their home. Holidays are hectic. Imagine how much more hectic it is for caregivers. Ask how you can best help them during the holidays. String lights, set up a Christmas tree, bake cookies. Put together a wonderful birthday celebration for their kids.
15. Do they need a wheelchair, walker, or even a heated blanket? With their permission, start a fund for raising money to supply the needed item.
16. Share with them these helpful websites: caregiving.com, caregiver.com, caregiversupport.org, christiancaregiversupport.com, restministries.com,
Most of all, weary caregivers need your love. Be there for a caregiver, and they won’t feel alone.
All are such good tips! But, I have to say ... #7 #7 #7!!!!! You never know what is going on that day - even if it is a day when there are no doctor appointments or anything else going on, you never know when a visit that YOU think is restful is not so restful for the caregiver!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Michele! I'm so glad you found the article helpful. A caregiver's schedule can get very complicated - there's so much that goes into caring for someone. And so, it's especially appreciated when a visitor remembers to call ahead first before stopping by.
DeleteI hope to write many more articles like this for caregivers. I really appreciate your comments, Michele. It's of great encouragement!
May your day be blessed! (:
Sometimes a caregiver feels totally alone, especially if her patient can not communicate. A friend's physical presence can make all the difference in a long day or night. And that friend doesn't have to worry about what to say. Just being there to hold a hand, to listen, and perhaps to pray, fills the void and will lift the caregiver's spirit. When their visit is over, the friend may know how she can help in a practical way--perhaps to run an errand or wash some dishes. You can read my devotional "Care for the Caregiver" by going to www.christiandevotions.us
ReplyDeleteMy web site is: carolheilman.com Thank you for this much needed article.
Yes! Sometimes just the the simple things are the most important and most valued. Taking the time to listen, provide a meal, or just run a few chores can mean so much to a caregiver. Thank you for sharing, Carol. I'm intrigued by your devotional "Care for the Caregiver," and I mean to check it out. I hope you'll stop by again!
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