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12 Ways to Say Thank You to a Caregiver on Thanksgiving

Alissa Sauer
By Alissa SauerNovember 19, 2018

Last Updated: November 19, 2018

“I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks.” William Shakespeare penned those words hundreds of years ago, but for families and friends of caregivers, they still ring true today.

Caregivers selflessly give of their finances, hearts and time and ask for little or nothing in return. Take some time to say “thank you” to a caregiver this Thanksgiving, to let a caregiver in your life know they are appreciated and loved.

12 Ways to Say Thank You to a Caregiver

Caregiving can seem like a thankless job – a job that is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year, with no pay, time off or sick days.

Thanksgiving is one day where we can stop and be truly thankful for the caregivers in our lives who sacrifice themselves to take care of our loved ones.

Here are 12 things you can do to show how much you appreciate their sacrifice and service this year:

  1. Bring them their favorite coffee drink or a gift card to the local coffee shop for the morning after a sleepless night of caregiving.
  2. Give them a gift card to a nearby salon or spa and offer to watch their loved one while they enjoy spa services.
  3. Give them the day off. Plan a date where you can sit and care for their loved one while they take the day to do whatever they want. If their loved one needs professional care, offer to pay for one day of respite care so their loved one will still receive the care they need and be safe while the caregiver enjoys a day to himself or herself.
  4. If they don’t feel comfortable leaving their loved one, bring a movie night to them complete with movie snacks. They will love the company even if they can’t leave their home.
  5. If you are a sibling of someone caring for your parent with dementia, offer to give your sibling a day off by taking over caregiving responsibilities.
  6. Make a donation to an Alzheimer’s disease research or awareness organization in their name. Some organizations that accept donations include the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and the Alzheimer’s Association.
  7. Offer to help the caregiver decorate their home for the holidays. Ask if they would like you to bring them a tree or put up outdoor lights as both tasks can be challenging when caregiving.
  8. Pay it forward. Sometimes “thank you” or a gift just doesn’t seem adequate. Let them know their kindness has influenced you to pass the kindness on to someone else.
  9. Provide a housekeeper. Pay a professional cleaning service to clean and organize their home – giving them time and space to relax while someone else does the heavy lifting.
  10. Send an electronic greeting card or handwritten note letting the person know how much you appreciate what they are doing. If you can’t think of the words to say, use this helpful guide to get you started.
  11. Simply say, “Thank you!” Many caregivers just like to know they are thought of and appreciated.
  12. Take part in “The Thanks Project.” The project is sponsored by the AARP and strives to say thank you to as many caregivers as possible by letting people post thank you messages on their site.

How will you let a caregiver know you appreciate them this Thanksgiving? Share your ideas with us in the comments below.

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Alissa Sauer
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Alissa Sauer

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