November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Caregiver Month. Please take some time today and stop by the Alzheimer’s Association’s website and send a special caregiver you know a big thank you and digital hug by adding a personal tribute message to them.
In the United States, there are more than 15 million Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers, according to Alz.org. At Unlimited Care Cottages, we know how much they deserve our appreciation.
There are many ways to tell caregivers “thank you”. Honor the caregiver in your family by doing one of the following for them:
- Give them a big hug in person and simply say “thank you for all that you do”. Just recognizing their sacrifice and dedication will mean the world to them. In fact, don’t just do this once a year, do this all year long.
- Take them out to eat at their favorite restaurant and spend quality time visiting with them. Ask them how they are doing and if you can do anything for them.
- Make a thank you card for them. Handmade cards and gifts always mean more. An even better idea is making the card with the patient they care for and having the card be from the both of you. That will mean the world to the caregiver.
- Let the caregiver have a day or two off by filling in for them. Purchase a massage or special spa package for them and let them have a relaxing day off. This allows the caregiver some downtime which will help reduce their stress level.
- Donate to your favorite Alzheimer’s organization in their name. They will greatly appreciate this special gesture and you will be helping others as well.
- Offer to lend them a hand by going with them to their patient’s next doctor’s visit or clean the house or their room for them. That will be a great help to the caregiver.
- Make sure the caregiver is taking care of themselves – mentally and physically. They can’t help anyone if they aren’t getting the proper rest and eating healthy meals each day. Check on them often and ask if you can bring them something to eat. Go with them on walks and let them vent if they need a shoulder to cry on.
There are numerous ways to show the caregiver in your family how much you appreciate their commitment and kindness towards your loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Please take time today to recognize them and take time throughout the year to show them you care.
For more information on Alzheimer’s and dementia and how you can recognize a caregiver, please contact Unlimited Care Cottages today.