Support Your Caregiver to Thrive

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.

If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

— Dalai Lama

• Here are a few tips to spread love with your caregiver:
• Write a handwritten thank you letter to your caregiver.
• Tell them you appreciate them.
• Give them a surprise gift.
• Encourage them to take up a new hobby.
• Encourage your caregiver to take time out for themselves every day and not to give up time with friends, social contacts or activities.
• Ask them: What do you need? How do you feel?
• Buy, borrow or check out a book at the library on their favorite topic.
• Provide opportunity to share honest feelings in a safe way.
• Encourage them to do activities with others.
• Laugh often with them.
• If they have pets, encourage time to share their pets.
• Enjoy time together in an old hobby.
• Take some new pictures together, start a new photo album filled with your favorite memories.
• Confirm they are taking care of their health too. Use this as a time to begin or enhance healthy lifestyles for everyone in the family.
• Arrange for them to have a day at the spa.
• Do something daring with them or encourage them to try something new.
• Honor your caregiver’s limits.
• Watch for signs of depression or burnout and encourage caregivers’ support groups or professional therapy.
• Ask them to share their favorite music with you.
• Write them a song, draw them a picture.
• Love and compassion are free; share generous portions daily.
• Look for a unique way to thank them, so unique that in years to come they will remember how you cared. Use this as a time to love more deeply and to live more fully.