Top 6 Holiday Gifts For Caregivers
Caregivers play a pivotal role in the health and well-being of seniors.
There is no doubt that they deserve a holiday gift that they desire. While gifts can often be objects like diffusers and clothes, what caregivers really wish can be different. A simple, thoughtful gesture and an opportunity for rest can be as valuable and even more worthy than an object for our beloved caregivers.
In this article, we present to you top 6 gift ideas for caregivers that can make them feel supported and provide them a well-deserved time off from caregiving.
1. A series of coffee dates
Caring for an older adult is a wonderful job, but it takes a toll on the mind and body. The job can easily make caregivers feel lonely and isolated. Hence, what caregivers need the most is breaks and catch-ups with their loved ones.
For their Christmas gift, make a plan for regular coffee catch-ups to show your support throughout the year.
For those who live far away, consider sending a gift card to a local coffee shop, or schedule a regular phone date to give them the time to reconnect.
During your conversation, remember to ask how the caregiver is doing. Also, see if there are ways you can assist without waiting for them to ask.
2. Relaxation and pampering
Caregivers are often under constant stress, so they could greatly benefit from some relaxation.
A spa or massage gift card is an excellent way to help them unwind and relieve muscle tension. If they’re unable to leave home because no one else is available to care for their loved one, you can offer to pay for in-home care or respite care for the senior. This way, the caregiver can get some time off and enjoy their pampering session.
Alternatively, if they prefer to relax at home, consider gifting a soothing heated back and neck massager, a heated massage pillow to help them relax and de-stress on a daily basis.
3. Hearty meals
Taking care of an elder is a time and energy consuming job, and caregivers miss the time to take care of themselves. This applies to their meals, not being able to consider the nutritional balance in their daily food intake.
Therefore, cook up some of your delicious home-cooked meals and load them up in their freezer. These meal preps can allow caregivers to not worry about what to eat for the day.
Another great present for caregivers is a nice meal out to their favourite restaurant. If leaving the house is difficult, you can order the food to the house, or give them a gift card. You can even offer to take care of the elder while the caregiver has the opportunity to leave the house to enjoy the nice meal.
4. A clean house
Living in a clean, well-maintained environment can immensely elevate one’s mood. Pushed by demanding chores, caregivers often do not have time and energy to clean the house.
For this year’s Christmas gift, arrange a cleaning service, or roll up your sleeves and do some cleaning yourself to take this chore off their list. Also, check house maintenance such as mowing the lawn, fixing a slow drain, and gutter cleaning.
For regular support, make it an ongoing gift by hiring a regular cleaning service every month.
5. Encouragement to pursue hobbies
Many caregivers become so occupied with caring for their older adult that they lose touch with their own passions. However, this can lead them to a caregiver burden in the long run.
While it may seem repetitive, the most meaningful part of the gift is helping them take a break from caregiving to enjoy something they love.
So, encourage them to keep up their hobbies. If you’re nearby, spend time with the older adult so the caregiver can focus on their interests.
Alternatively, offer to call or video chat with the older adult to keep them company, giving the caregiver time to relax and enjoy their hobby.
6. Stress management activities
Stay by the caregiver’s side and suggest activities that help them relieve their stress.
As a gift, you can give them things that are therapeutic. For example, a beautiful journal is a good present, as writing in a journal is one of many effective ways to reduce caregiver stress. Another gift idea is a yoga class or yoga mat, which will help them clear their minds and stay in the present moment.
At Living Waters Aged Care, we understand that caregiving is a difficult and challenging job.
We provide free carer stress assessment for a healthier and more enjoyable life for both you and your loved one.
Contact us now for help.
