Words of appreciation for caregivers

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. Some of the possible signs of depression or causes of extreme fatigue are listed below:

• Feeling sad, hopeless, worthless.
• 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. Depression treatment can be extensive with professional care. Or may be addressed with simple common sense measures. Other than just words of appreciation, here are some ways that may provide help for depression:

• Look for creative ways to help with the care. Ask for help. Demand it.
• 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.

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.

Other resources to show appreciation...

Leaving Supporting the caregiver | Returning to elder care

monitoring symptoms | Solutions for care | Senior Acceptance | Supporting caregivers | Conflict Resolution

Home | Terms&Conditions | About Us | Site Map | Contact Us