National Caregivers Day is observed on the third Friday of each February. This year held on February 15, 2019, National Caregivers Day is observed to honor and recognize all the dedication caregivers offer. With over 66 million family caregivers in the United States alone, National Caregivers Day is a way for us to pay tribute to the caregivers who provide for the health and wellbeing of their family members, friends, or neighbors.
Honoring those individuals who aid our loved ones — especially our elderly, who often require long-term or hospice care — is something we should celebrate year-round. Caregivers provide quality, compassionate care every day and there are many ways we can show them how important they are in the lives our of loved ones, especially our loved ones living with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases.
Whether you are a caregiver yourself or appreciate those that care for your loved one, National Caregivers Day is the perfect time to acknowledge the dedicated, compassionate people who work as caregivers or have a caregiving role in their family.
The Role Of Caregiver
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and Evercare, if we placed a value on the unpaid care these 65 million caregivers provide, it would be estimated at a worth $375 billion. Although a caregiver’s work varies with different sets of duties each day, there are some basic tasks that remain the same when caring for a parent or senior loved one.
A caregiver’s work varies based on the individuals they are caring for; however, there are some basic tasks that remain the same when caring for a parent or senior loved one.
- Assessing The Patient’s Medical Needs: Caregivers can assist with pain management and manage the distribution of prescription medication. By creating a medical care plan with their doctor, the caregiver can provide the necessary medical assistance required.
- Managing A Care Plan: A care plan that addresses your loved one’s strengths and weaknesses is necessary for your loved one’s caregiver, so that you can determine how many hours of care a day your loved one will require.
- Monitoring: Caregivers review your loved one’s care plans, speaking with other medical professionals to see if any adjustments need to be made. By monitoring your patient’s general medical needs on a daily basis, the caregiver can specify which times of day they should provide medical assistance.
- Assisting With Basic Physical Needs: Assist your loved one with their basic needs, which could include: bathing, grooming and toileting.
- Preparing Meals: Food preparation becomes increasingly difficult as we age. You can help your parent by doing their grocery shopping or preparing their meals, and monitoring their nutrition.
- Housekeeping: Caregivers provide assistance to a loved one by performing household tasks such as doing dishes, vacuuming or taking out the garbage.
- Assist With Mobility: Your loved one will need help transferring from bed in the morning, to eating in a kitchen or cafeteria, and into a chair in the afternoon, for instance. Caregivers help them move and make them comfortable.
- Transport: Providing transportation (car ride, shuttle bus) for your loved one to doctor’s appointments, to run errands or take them to other daily activities is a common duty amongst caregivers.
- Companionship: One of the most important parts of caregiving is companionship. Not only is it necessary for your loved one, it is a rewarding part of a caregivers job.
How To Recognize Our Caregivers
When reflecting about all the things caregivers do, you will realize the amount of stress, love, and care that any family or professional caregiver puts into their work each and every day. However, there are some thoughtful, considerate gifts and gestures that can help the caregivers in your life feel recognized, appreciated and pampered.
Professional/Private Caregivers
Private caregivers work for in-home care, home health, or hospice companies. They may also work for themselves, or through a caregiver referral agency. If you have an in-home caregiver, it’s likely that you may have come to know his or hers likes and dislikes.
- Massage, Manicure, and/or Pedicure gift certificates: anything to help facilitate relaxation and pampering.
- Gift Certificates: to a nice restaurant or a favorite store.
- Hand Lotions, Hand Sanitizers And Soap Products: Caregivers are constantly washing hands, so luxurious soap products are always a welcome treat. And since excessive hand-washing can leave their skin dry and make their hands feel rough, perhaps include a moisturizing lotion to make a thoughtful gift.
- Movie or live theater tickets: Live shows, or movie theaters gift cards are always a welcome treat.
- Aromatherapy candles: Invigorating scents like eucalyptus, lavender, and rosemary can bring calm to a stressful or tiresome day.
- Universal prepaid gift cards: With Visa, American Express, or MasterCard gift cards, your caregivers can shop at any store in person or online.
- Baked goods: Bake cookies, bread, cake pops, or similar items. Always keep in mind dietary restrictions or allergies.
- Handmade gifts: Share your gift for knitting, crafting, or anything you are particularly talented at. A handmade give is one of the most thoughtful ones you can give.
Facility Caregivers
Facility caregivers are anyone who works in a nursing facility, long term care facility, assisted living, memory care, retirement community, adult care home or any other residential setting for seniors. Here are some ideas on honoring these caregivers:
- Letter of recognition: A letter touting your caregiver’s skills with your loved one, and the care and compassion they bring to work everyday will go a long ways in showing your appreciation. This letter could be given to an administrator as well to be put in the caregiver’s employee file.
- Food baskets: Healthy options like fruit baskets are thoughtful, useful and usually always appreciated.
- Donate on behalf of the caregiver: If there is no bonus fund to contribute to and/or the gift-giving policies are tight, donate to a non-profit or cause like the Alzheimer’s Association, Parkinson’s Association, or a senior foundation in your area. If offering gifts to staff members is off-limits, consider making a donation to a non-profit on the facility’s behalf.
- Food, Coffee, Teas or Beverage Equipment: Many facility caregivers run on coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. If you’re looking for a gift for the entire staff, a beverage maker might be a good idea.
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Even though we understand the pledge caregivers make to provide the best for their patients and their families, they are often overlooked and under appreciated, which is why we’re happy to celebrate and recognize National Caregivers Day.
National Caregivers Day is just one of many ways to show appreciation for these individuals, and even after the day is over we should continue to celebrate the caregivers in our loved one’s lives. By simply showing your appreciation throughout the year — such as a simple ‘thank you’ — can help boost the spirit of these individuals who work tirelessly to provide high quality care to the loved ones in your life.
Unicity Healthcare: We Are Here To Help
If your aging senior needs extra help and support and may be in need of geriatric or in-home care, Unicity Healthcare is here to help. Working closely with families, Unicity Healthcare’s geriatric care managers’ expertise can help.
All of Unicity Healthcare’s Care Managers are either Licensed Social Workers or Registered Nurses, with significant experience working with the elderly community. Unicity Healthcare is also a member of the prestigious Aging Life Care Association.
We provide companion care, personal care, and Alzheimer’s and dementia care so family members can rest easier. You can benefit from the expertise of our experienced Senior Advisors, and can inquire on how to seek help from Unicity’s qualified home care professionals to help ease the burden.
For more information please contact us at:
Email: info@unicity-ec.com
Explore our website: Unicity Healthcare https://www.unicity-ec.com/