According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, there are approximately:
- 5 million caregivers providing unpaid care to an adult or child
- 85% caring for a relative or loved one
- 4 in 10 (40%) caregivers in high-burden situations
What do we know about the typical family caregiver? They are talented multi-taskers, managing medications/medical needs, household routines and attention to other family members. The labor of love works around the clock and more often than not, proper rest is a luxury. Self-care is rarely the top priority and taking a break is never as easy as it sounds.
How can we support a family caregiver? Through thoughtful acts of kindness, we can make a meaningful difference and be a source of encouragement in the life of a family caregiver.
Five Acts of Kindness to Support a Family Caregiver
Act 1 – Deliver a hot meal on a Sunday afternoon to ease the load for the coming week.
Idea: A lasagna tray or casserole-style dish can be enjoyed over a few days. Add a variety of vegetables to the dish to make it an all-in-one, balanced meal.
Act 2 – Offer assistance with household chores.
Idea: Whether one day a month or as often as you’re able, lend a hand with dusting, mopping, kitchen clean-up or washing linens.
Act 3 – Help with a grocery run or other important errand.
Idea: Chances are, there’s a shopping list or a prescription that needs to be picked up. Offering your help with errands could be a great time-saver.
Act 4 – Visit and chat.
Idea: Offering your friendship and listening ears can be very supportive. Bring a batch of cookies or fresh flowers for the home as an added thoughtful gesture.
Act 5 – Provide respite care.
Idea: Caregivers can benefit from a break, whether for just a few hours or longer. By giving of your time, care and support, a caregiver may appreciate some time to spend on personal care, enjoying an outing or shopping trip.
No matter how you to choose to support a family caregiver, your effort is sure to be appreciated and will make a priceless difference!
Source: Caregiving in the U.S. 2015.
Shield HealthCare | Caregivers Community
