During the holiday season, we’re always thinking about the gifts we can give to others. We also may be thinking of ways we can “give back,” whether it’s donating time, money or energy to causes or to those less fortunate. As you’re thinking about what you can do this holiday season, don’t forget about the 40 million Americans who are serving as caregivers for loved ones who can no longer care for themselves. You may know several of them personally – or, if you have a loved one with dementia, you may be related to them.
“Caregivers play an incredibly important role for our families, and we’re always looking for ways to honor and support them, especially during the holidays,” says Addi Ricci, Executive Director at Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk, located in Norwalk, CT. “For family members, it may be hard or awkward to figure out how best to honor them because we may not be sure what they need or what they want. Many caregivers aren’t very vocal about their need for assistance, and so it’s easy for us to assume they have everything under control.”
Ricci says that when thinking of how to celebrate and honor caregivers for loved ones with dementia, one of the greatest things we can do is help alleviate their stress or give them an opportunity to care of themselves. “Caregivers so often let their needs slide because they’re so busy taking care of loved ones’, which can lead to stress and depression. This holiday season, consider finding ways to help take work off their plate.”
Here are some tips and gifts ideas to help you honor a dementia caregiver in your life.
1. Ask how you can help – and give specifics.
Oftentimes, we ask caregivers. “what do you need help with?” or tell them, “just let me know what I can do to help you out.” While caregivers definitely want or need the help, they may not be able to think of something concrete or may not feel comfortable reaching out when they do need help. So, instead of a blanket offer of assistance, be specific with what you can do and offer specifics on how you can help them out. For example:
- “I’m free on Saturday and can take care of Mom from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Does that work for you?”
- “I’m going to the grocery store. What items do you need? You can send over a grocery list or I’ll just pick up some essentials for you.”
- “I’d like to help you get your Christmas shopping done. I’m free this weekend and can go shopping for you and wrap your gifts, or I can come over and watch Dad so you can get out.”
2. Set up coffee or lunch dates.
Ask your caregiver what days and times work for them, and set up a standing date as often as you want or are able to. Since getting out of the house may be difficult for them, offer to come over and bring the coffee or lunch with you. Just having a half hour to sit and talk to a peer can be incredibly fulfilling to a busy caregiver who may be starved for company. (And while you’re there, you can listen and look for clues on how you can help them further.)
3. Research resources.
There are a lot of resources out there for caregivers, but your caregiver may not know about them because they don’t have time to look for them. Instead of letting them know there’s general “help” out there, do some research and present them with a list of different resources and programs that they may be able to use. Senior day centers, adult day care, transportation services and more are often available for an affordable price. You can also offer to help vet the resources and arrange for services so your caregiver just has to reap the benefits.
4. Purchase a service.
If you live far away from your dementia caregiver or are unable to donate a lot of time, giving the gift of a service can be a great boon. A cleaning service can always be appreciated, since caregiving often doesn’t leave time to keep up a tidy home. You can also arrange for grocery delivery or purchase a subscription to a meal service like Hello Fresh or Blue Apron. Don’t forget about the gift of self-care – consider buying a gift certificate for a massage or a day at the spa to help your caregiver wash away some of the stresses of daily life. (And if you can offer to watch their loved one with dementia during that time, even better!)
5. Make mealtime easy.
Eating can be exhausting for caregivers, so make mealtimes a little easier by providing meal prep. Gather some friends or family members and put together some make-ahead freezer meals or slow cooker meals that can be easily made or reheated. For a bit of variety, you can also gift a caregiver with a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant (and offer to take care of or pay for caregiving help for their senior so they can enjoy a night out). Another nice thing you could do is give the caregiver access to your favorite delivery app – DoorDash, Grubhub or whatever else – and encourage them to use it on those nights when they need a break.
6. Support their interests and hobbies.
Many caregivers can lose touch with the things they love to do because they simply don’t have time while caring for their loved one. Finding ways for them to explore their favorite activities is a wonderful gift. Purchase a gym membership (exercise is one of the best ways to relieve tension and reduce stress), a cooking or art class or set them up with the tools they need to do their hobby, like buying yarn and knitting patterns. Sometimes all a person needs is a little nudge in the right direction for them to pick up a put-aside pastime.
Caring for a caregiver is one of the most generous things you can do this holiday season – and beyond. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to let them know how much they mean to you and how much the work they do matters.
If you would like more information about how to honor a dementia caregiver in your life, contact us at 203.523.0510.
Compassionate Care for All Stages of Memory Loss
Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk provides assisted living memory care that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia or memory impairment, we’ve created a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents each and every day.
Personalized Services
Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk’s services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident, while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide a high level of personalized attention for every stage of memory loss. At Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk, our residents have it all for one simple monthly fee.
Community Amenities
Within a beautiful residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk provides everything residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias need to enjoy comfort, familiarity and security. Soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a peaceful and secure environment where residents feel at home.
Call us today at 203.523.0510 to learn more about Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk or to schedule a personal tour.