Gratitude for Caregivers - Why?

For nearly forty years, Joe has faithfully aided Carole to enable her participation in life. That alone is reason for gratitude. Recently, he penned these words about caregiving.

“Caregivers set aside some personal things like time and energy. Time to care about, with, and for the loved one. They do necessary actions that the other is no longer able to do such as mopping a floor, or vacuuming, or taking them shopping. A caregiver takes time to share the struggle and attain understanding of difficulties the spouse or family member is enduring. Ecclesiastes 3:4 speaks to the changing tides of trial and triumph, “A time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” Caregivers live lives that are adapting to changes in the disabled one’s circumstances.”

Caregivers Do What?

Examples from Joe and Carole:

Carole loves shopping in fabric stores, but she can no longer walk or stand that long. Answer: Joe pushes her in her chair.

Joe’s words: “Oh! The thrill of fabric stores and craft stores to one whose only interest is to let her enjoy her passion for such things!”

Carole wears a TENS unit for pain relief. Since the electrodes go on her back where she can’t reach, Joe has attached and detached them daily for 25 years. True, this takes less than a minute, but it has to be done morning and evening no matter what.

Joe and Carole attend church weekly, but she cannot sit in normal chairs so they used her chair for years until they were able to buy a scooter. Using the wheelchair entailed Joe hefting it in and out of the car. The scooter uses a lift, sparing Joe’s back.

Cost of Caregiving

Each of these situations requires time and energy from Joe. Some things, like using the wheelchair, affected Joe’s health; it contributed to back problems that required surgeries.

Caregivers’ contributions can cost the caregiver heavily.

Are you aware of the cost to her? Have you thanked him lately?

Gratitude for Caregivers - A Courtesy

Since our caregivers do so much for us, it seems only right that we show them appreciation. It’s the only courteous thing to do.

Gratitude for Caregivers - How?

1. Express your appreciation in a manner that speaks to her.
2. If you can afford it, buy him something special.
3. According to your ability, do something you know she’ll really like.
4. Find or make a unique card for him.

Your Caregiver

What does your caregiver do for you?

How much harder would your life be without him?

Would it even be possible without her?

What have you done lately to express your appreciation?

For Further Ideas:

See Caregivers for Invisibly Disabled for more information about the role and cautions for caregivers and more ideas for appreciation.

Please contact me to post a public thank you to your caregiver at Kudos for Caregivers. While you’re there, watch a video of the Talleys singing a tribute to Hidden Heroes.

Two articles have even more ideas for expressing gratitude. See “Seven Ways to Thank a Caregiver”. “Showing Appreciation for Family Caregivers” has ideas to thank caregivers who work for your family.