5 Ways to Show Appreciation to Your Caregiver!

Chronic Illness is taxing on not only the person suffering but on everyone else that loves and cares for that person.  Family, spouses, friends, coworkers and beyond, all undergo stress when you are hurting.

But the person who gets hit the hardest sometimes is your caregiver.

Your caregiver may be your husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend, roommate, mother, father, sister, brother, nurse or paid helper. 

They are the ones that are there helping you function day in and day out. 

They cook for you, help you with medications, assist you with bathing when you are too weak, help you walk when you’re exhausted, they do your laundry, make your bed if you have the strength to get out of it, help you get dressed when dressing yourself seems daunting—they are living, breathing angels.

When symptoms are at its worst, your caregiver is indispensable.  They are right by your side lifting you up, always assuring you that things will be okay. 

They know how to provide support specifically for you, like what foods make your tummy smile, or how you like the pillows on your bed for when you go to sleep.  And they know exactly where your favorite pair of sweats are.  What would we do without them?

And so, it is important to let them know you appreciate them.  That you see their hard and constant work—because caregiving for someone is a full-time job.

Here are some tips to show some appreciation:

1. Leave a post-it.

I love this because it is simple and heartwarming.  Leave a post-it somewhere that your caregiver will stumble on.  It can be a place that is easy to spot, like the fridge, or a place they accidentally stumble on eventually, like the inside of a drawer. 

Write something simple: “I appreciate you.  Thank you for always taking care of me. Love, Liz”

2. Random text.

Shoot your caregiver a random text in the day while they are out running an errand or just out.  Say something simple.  It can be as easy as “Thank you for the amazing breakfast today.  You are an angel.”

3. Surprise them with some food.

Food is always a good idea.  If your caregiver loves chocolate, cookies, gummy bears, gold fish, or whatever it may be, try and find something in your pantry and leave it on the kitchen counter with a note. 

Or, if you are able, order them a pizza or their favorite meal from Uber Eats.  Just find a way to make their stomach smile and they will love it!

4. Send some flowers.

I know it’s a bit cliché but flowers are always a nice gesture.

5. Say it out loud.

To me, this in many ways is the most effective.  Find a moment, and look your caregiver in the eye and tell them how much you love them.  That you see their efforts and you are grateful for their selflessness.  There is nothing more powerful than vocalizing your appreciation—they will be so touched.

Comment below on ways you show love to your caregiver!  I’d love to hear from you!

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