A Gift to the Caregiver
Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on December 22, 2017
A Gift to the Caregiver
How do you put a price on the love, care and effort that family or professional caregivers give to your senior loved ones? Don’t let the caregiver go underappreciated. With our thoughts turned to gift giving during the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to pamper these caregivers.
Looking for gift suggestions? Read below.
Note: Before brainstorming ideas, inquire about whether the facility the caregiver is employed through has any gift-giving policies—facilities may have rules for employee acceptance of personal gifts.
Ideas for gifts to give caregivers
If you’re free and clear to give a gift, consider the suggestions below—you may find the perfect gift from this list, or perhaps one of these ideas will help trigger an idea of your own.
A magazine subscription or great book
If you know that they have a special interest in something like animals/pets, photography, technology, health, home décor, gardening, music, science, sports, etc., consider gifting them a magazine subscription or book about that subject.
An addition to their collectibles
Are they collectors of certain items? Is it possible for you to add to this collection with a specific piece? If not, consider or a monetary gift earmarked for additions to their collection, or give them a gift card to a store you know sells these items so they can make a purchase of their own.
Donations
Donations in their name to a food shelter, children’s book drive, animal shelter, or any other local, regional or national causes acknowledges that their contribution to your loved one’s life is recognized and that you’d like to pay it forward by contributing to a good cause.
Food basket or dinner delivery
Create your own basket of specialty foods that you think they would enjoy (teas, coffee, fruit, nuts, baked goods) or give a basket centered around a theme (Italian, wine and cheese, etc.). Alternatively, have a ready-to-go meal delivered to the caregiver.
Gift card for a favorite department store
Know their favorite store? Are there any particularly popular stores in town? You can’t go wrong with a gift card—it will give them the freedom to make their own selections.
Pampering service
Related to the suggestion above, give your hardworking caregiver a gift certificate for indulging in a relaxation service at a spa or in good food at an awesome restaurant.
“Gift of the Month” subscription
There are many popular types of subscription services, offering regular delivery of goods and services from flowers to books to specialty foods to… pretty much anything you can think of! Think about your caregiver’s interests and search the web to see what kinds of services might fit them to a tee (yes, they have t-shirt subscription services out there, as well!).
Letter of recognition
Compose a heartfelt note of appreciation for their services and share a copy with their administrator and/or ask that a copy be placed in their employment file.
Movie or event tickets
Event and movie tickets or gift cards are always a great gift choice. Who doesn’t like to be entertained?
An offer to help out
Do you have a unique skill or talent you can offer to help out the caregiver (running errands cooking a meal, cleaning their house, doing yard work or repairs, etc.)? Consider the gift of giving your time and expertise.
Prepaid classes or courses
From fitness or yoga classes to gardening and cooking, giving the gift of learning allows the caregiver to partake in a favorite activity and may even have a long-term positive impact on their lives.
Conclusion
A caregiver’s role in your loved one’s life should not go unrecognized. While it’s good to show appreciation year round, is there a better time to say an extra special “thank you” than during the holiday season?