Family members often face difficult assignments. It could be a wife filling the role of caregiver for elderly parents. A husband working hard to make ends meet under stressful circumstances. Children dealing with challenges at school. All need encouragement and sincere words of appreciation expressing worth and significance. The job of caregiver can be particularly challenging, lonely, and exhausting. Burnout can easily result. Giving support, allowing for time off, and providing understanding are constantly needed for those family members who are in the trenches. Showing approval for a good job demonstrates that you really appreciate them and at the same time refresh the spirit of a tired caregiver.
It is important to be aware and watch for the warning signs of depression and other unhealthy behavior or actions. Simple things may also cheer and sustain the caregiver.
Showing appreciation that you notice and value what they do will lift their spirits. Words of appreciation, gratitude, or comfort show high regard for who they are and what they do.
Caregiver jobs can be a demanding and intense experience for anyone who takes on the care of an elderly parent. Every detail of the senior's life needs to be addressed. Dressing, bathing, using the bathroom, brushing teeth, eating, moving from room to room, and just keeping the house in order. Burnout! Burnout! Burnout is on the horizon. If there is a caregiver in your life, look for ways to show you understand and care. Any words of appreciation will be welcome and lift spirits.
The household items listed above are just the beginning. The emotional needs of the senior parent can be very demanding causing additional caregiver stress. Uncertainty, discouragement, and hopelessness often accompany the major changes that take place.
Medical conditions can also compound the effort. Trying to bring pain or persistent medical conditions under control is stressful and challenging. These also can be causes of depression. This negative outlook of any caregiver can often be improved by showing appreciation and the fact that you care very much.
In addition, the caregiver usually has responsibilities in their own life that begin to pile up. Caregiver jobs don't seem to have an end. There could be a fulltime job and a family to care for. The new commitment of senior care may not have been volenteered for eagerly. Often times they take on the new duties because of close proximity or assumed "availability".
The job can quickly become overwhelming. Trying to balance their workload loads leads to stress and exhaustion. Caregivers seem to be tired all the time. They may comment in passing, "Why am I so tired". Major problems can develop if they don't take the time to care for themselves. Words of appreciation may be just what is needed.
Some of the possible signs of depression or causes of extreme fatigue are listed below:
Feeling sad, hopeless, worthless, lonely, or not appreciated.
Anger with situation or with the one being cared for.
Social isolation from normal life events.
Reduced effectiveness in job or other duties.
Sleep deprivation for an extended time.
Irritability
Health problems
Other family members need to be vigilent in accessing caregiver needs and be ready to step in for support. It is necessary to be aware of caregiver stress and be available to assist and comfort those who are giving the care on the front lines. Symptoms of depression are not always easy to detect.
The caregiver may feel very used and put upon. It is important for them to protect their own well being and not let anger get out of control. They need to know that they are significant. Use words that show appreciation for what they do. Hold them in high esteem, praise them for great work, reward them with compliments and admiration. Show them that you truly appreciate what they do. Bring attention to the hard work, devotion, and service that they are performing. Other than just words of appreciation, here are some ways that may provide help for the caregiver who might feel alone and unnoticed:
Look for creative ways to get assistance with the care. Just ask for help. Actually demand it. Other family members will come along side with awareness of the need.
Admit that you are struggling and can not carry the load. Set pride aside. Set guilt aside
Stay in communication with the family. Find others to talk about your feelings and fears.
Find out what services are available to help. Have other family members do research.
Stay socially involved. Dont become socially isolated.
Make rest a priority. Schedule time off. Insist on replacements.
Do not add low priority complications to your life.
Honest and genuinely spoken examples of words of appreciation
These powerful words of appreciation will have a positive effect on a tired caregiver or family member. The results could be a rededicated spirit.
"Your work has not gone unnoticed."
"You have done a great job."
"You are a valued member of the team. "
"You have made a big difference."
"I don't know what we would have done without you."
"You are deeply appreciated."
"Your help and support will always be remembered."
"We could never repay you for all you do for us."
"You have gone beyond the call of duty".
"Thank you for going the extra mile."
Just living with depression is not the answer. When the caregiver does not take care of themselves, health and mental attitude may start to slip. Depression can sneak up and cause significant damage. There needs to be hope and light at the end of the tunnel. Continually reach out those in these difficult roles. Show them that you are grateful for all they do. Here are some uplifting appreciation quotes that can help strengthen during tough times.
Appreciation quotes/Thank you quotes
“If you're alone, I'll be your shadow. If you want to cry, I'll be your shoulder. If you want a hug, I'll be your pillow. If you need to be happy, I'll be your smile. But anytime you need a friend, I'll just be me”
"A wise man adapts himself to circumstances as water shapes itself to the vessel that contains it. You have done this very well."
“Our family is a circle of love and strength. With every birth and every union, the circle grows. Every joy shared adds more love. Every obstacle faced together makes the circle stronger. Thank you for what you do.”
“Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light. You have done this for us.”
“This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.”
“No matter what you've done for yourself or for humanity, if you can't look back on having given love and attention to your own family, what have you really accomplished?”
If depression is creeping up and must be faced, learn something about the nature of the beast: You may escape without a mauling. You are an example for us all.
Letter of appreciation or gratitude
Words of appreciation can sometimes be most effective when recorded and then sent out to all interested parties. The one you are addressing will feel honored. You can acknowledge the effort they put forth, pay tribute to the success of their work, and describe the value that they bring to the lives the elderly around them. In a letter of appreciation, include thank you quotes from people who have benefited or have seen the benefits because of their sacrifice. Thoughts that will encourage the caregiver to stay strong and persevere.
Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. ~Mark Twain
How beautiful a day can beWhen kindness touches it!~George Elliston
Poems of appreciation
Not what we give
Not what we give, But what we share, For the gift without the giver Is bare.
~James Russell Lowell
You Care About People
You care about peopleand it shows.You are generous with your time,giving of your energy,lavish with your unselfish deeds.I will remember your kindness to me.Thank you for brightening my worldwith your thoughtfulness.It really meant a lot.
By Joanna Fuchs at www.poemsource.com
Caregiver Giv'n
We thank you for your kindness, for with it sadness has been driven.
We thank you for your sacrifice, for the one that is stricken.
We thank you for your time, for the family that is given.
We thank you for all you do, for a better life to be liv'n.
Let your caregiver know that you are thankful for their work. Acclaim them to others so that they get full credit. That you recognize the value of their contributions. The bottom line:
Avoid burnout through giving words of appreciation
and affection for a job well done
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