10 ways to help caregivers

forbarbara

In no particular order. All of these apply whether the PWD is at home or in a facility.

1. Ask about the PWD. And listen.
2. Ask the caregiver how they are doing. And listen.
3. Give the caregiver flowers, chocolate or wine.
4. Send the caregiver a nice or funny card to tell them how much they’re appreciated. More than once.
5. Offer to bring a meal or take the caregiver out to eat.
6. Help with a seasonal chore - decorating, yardwork, vehicle maintenance etc..
7. Become a part of the communications network by contacting family, friends or neighbors when necessary.
8. Offer to visit with PWD.
9. Offer to accompany on doctor’s visits and other appointments. Sit patiently in the waiting room.
10. Show your love and support. Be the caregiver’s advocate wherever needed.

ronda b

I love this. Wish I could print it out or send it to some people.

sandwichone123

Avoid offering advice about the caregiver's decisions.

Avoid offering your assessment of how the PWD is really doing. Take the caregiver's word for it.

SusanB-dil

Loving this. Thanks for posting.

forbarbara

omg this is so strange - I only shared this list with you. Then today in the mail I received a “thinking of you” card in the mail, from one of MIL’s cousins. I’m not one for mushy cards but I just about bawled when I opened it. Maybe it’s karma.

SusanB-dil

Neat!

GothicGremlin

This is a great list.

@forbarbara - I'll never forget the afternoon when my partner's brother, his wife, and their son came to stay with us for a few days. The bunch of them took off to run errands and it was just me and my nephew in the house. Memory care called me to try to calm Peggy down, and there was a lot of screaming, and me trying everything I could to soothe her. Nothing, and I mean nothing, worked. After about an hour I gave up. It was an ordeal for all.

When I came out of the bedroom, somewhat frazzled, my nephew asked me if I was okay. He was so genuine. I almost cried and I wanted to hug him so much. He's not a hugger, so I refrained. In that moment though, that he asked meant so much.

Jo C.

Little things do count . . .

They also help to slay fire breathing dragons . . .

J.

tammiemcdaniel

> @"ronda b" said:
> I love this. Wish I could print it out or send it to some people.

Hit Ctrl an C highlight it an copy it on over to your friend!

tammiemcdaniel

> @tammiemcdaniel said:
> > @"ronda b" said:
> > I love this. Wish I could print it out or send it to some people.
>
> Hit Ctrl an C highlight it an copy it on over to your friend!

In no particular order. All of these apply whether the PWD is at home or in a facility.

Ask about the PWD. And listen.
Ask the caregiver how they are doing. And listen.
Give the caregiver flowers, chocolate or wine.
Send the caregiver a nice or funny card to tell them how much they’re appreciated. More than once.
Offer to bring a meal or take the caregiver out to eat.
Help with a seasonal chore - decorating, yardwork, vehicle maintenance etc..
Become a part of the communications network by contacting family, friends or neighbors when necessary.
Offer to visit with PWD.
Offer to accompany on doctor’s visits and other appointments. Sit patiently in the waiting room.
Show your love and support. Be the caregiver’s advocate wherever needed.

jfkoc

Wish I could??? Go ahead and send it!!!1