Photo by Georg Arthur Pflueger from Unsplash
In November, we acknowledge all the caregivers of the world during National Family Caregivers Month. Caregiving is one of the hardest jobs in the world. I have a mother who is working hard as one in taking care of her sister who is diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. While I do assist her in doing this, I am still amazed at the self-sacrificing spirit she has in watching over her sister. That’s one of the most important characteristics of being a caregiver, along with patience and love.
Caregivers deserve so much more credit and praise than they are being given. They have to do a lot to make sure their loved ones are safe. Let’s examine why we must express appreciation for the hardworking caregivers in our lives.
Family Caregivers Sacrifice So Much for their Loved Ones
As was mentioned earlier, caregivers deserve so much appreciation because of their self-sacrificing spirit. It takes humility to willingly take care of sick people, especially those who have dementia or other mental illnesses. You have to constantly remind them to wash their hands or even prevent them from leaving the house. It requires patience to take care of someone dealing with these illness. But if you truly care for the person, it could be worth the sacrifice.
Family Caregivers and Other Providers of Care Require Skilled Training
Many caregivers have to receive a certain amount of professional training. The type of training varies by state. For example, in Illinois, caregivers normally have to go through 8 hours of Home Services. They can also purchase an online certified caregiver course provided that it meets the standards recommended by the Professional Association of Caregivers.
If you love to help people who are elderly or disabled, this could be a good career choice for you. You must be a people person, be comfortable around ailing people, and be a person of integrity. Honesty is another important trait to have when doing this work.
Ways to Show Appreciation for All Caregivers
Because of their hard work and sacrifice caring for the sick, elderly, or disabled ones, caregivers deserve all the recognition possible. We shouldn’t take them for granted. Why not take the initiative to lend a helping hand to them? Or you could encourage them to take time for themselves by getting their hair or nails done?
Other ways you can show appreciation is by offering to cook a meal for them or just being a good friend and listener. Inviting them to social outings is a great way to encourage them to take a break from caregiving. It also shows that you care and think of them.
Show Appreciation for Caregivers Every Day
Caregivers are being acknowledged this month—but if you know a caregiver personally, show appreciation any chance that you get. That person could be a family member of that sick one or simply a licensed caregiver hired to take care of sick people.
Whatever the case, caregivers deserve all the appreciation and recognition for the hard work that they do. They sacrifice so much of their time and energy to put others ahead of themselves. It is a job that requires a lot of humility, patience, and understanding. Some of the ways you can show appreciation for them are by lending a helping hand to them, encouraging them to take care of themselves, or just offering to cook them a MEAL.
So do all you can to show appreciation for hardworking caregivers everywhere. They deserve all the recognition not just on National Family Caregivers Month but all throughout the year.  Â
