Four (4) Thoughtful Ways to Say “Thank You” to a Caregiver During the Thanksgiving Holiday

“What am I thankful for this Thanksgiving holiday?” You and millions of individuals and family members across America will answer that it is for a family or professional caregiver that helps provide assistance to a dear loved one.

Millions of family and professional caregivers provide care on a daily basis for our family members. Seventy (70) million of them are family caregivers. These family caregivers are your friends, neighbors, co-workers, and social media connections. Millions more are paid caregivers who come into the home of your family member to provide assistance. Other may be the caregivers you regularly see when you visit the senior community where a parent lives.

The Thanksgiving holiday is an ideal time to say, “Thank you” with words. Pausing and simply saying verbally how much you appreciate the assistance that is being provided to a family member is validating. Do it in person or pick up the phone and place a phone call.

Here are four (4) additional and thoughtful ways to express your appreciation to family and paid caregivers.

1. Give a festive gift, like a gift basket or bow-wrapped charcuterie tray. Select high-end holiday food items. Purchase items that the caregiver might not consider buying but might really enjoy trying. Stuffed olives, pickled items, dried fruit, meats, cheeses & crackers, nuts, spreads, preserves, etc
2. Write a sincere and heartfelt “Thank You” note. Handwritten notes of gratitude are a lost art. It can be a short note or a longer letter. I am certain it will bring a smile to the caregiver’s face, if not tears. It will validate their choice to get up every sunrise a to do the taxing yet rewarding work of caregiving. Don’t be surprised if this handwritten note becomes a cherished keepsake.
3. Give your caregiver a gift card. A gift card of any type will definitely be appreciated. Around this time of a year a gift to a grocery store is always on point. Gift cards to big box stores like Target and Walmart are always timely. Gas cards are always helpful and valued.
4. Offer additional assistance. The primary family caregiver will surely appreciate additional assistance from time to time. Can you schedule a regular day in which you are the substitute family caregiver?  Are you able to pay for caregiver assistance once a week or more by a home care agency?  Can you hire a housekeeper to come in on a monthly basis to handle ongoing cleaning task? Can you take over an ongoing task for the caregiver like grocery shopping or lawn maintenance.

Finally, family and professional caregiving is an important part of the quilt of America. It is something that any person and family benefiting of it, should acknowledge. Thanksgiving is a special time each year to count your blessings.  It is a perfect time to say, “Thank you for the assistance you provide year-round”, to the caregivers in our lives.

Happy Thanksgiving!