“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.