Home caregivers often live restricted lives as determined by the needs of their patients. What kind of gift is suitable for the relative who is committed to long-term care of a spouse or other loved one? She (or he) deserves something special, but perhaps a limited budget and little free time don't allow for much self-indulgence.
Gift Cards Make Ideal Caregiver Gifts
Gift cards make excellent gift ideas for the caregiver who has limited time and financial resources. Gift cards are also plentiful, so there's little shopping involved. What other benefits might a gift card have that would appeal to a caregiver?
- A gift card with no expiration date can be saved to use at an opportune time.
- A gift card allows for flexibility and privacy, meaning the recipient can buy something he or she really wants – no matter how far-fetched the purchase might seem to others. If the caregiver wants to use a particular steak house gift card to indulge in two onion blossoms for example, then it's her business and it makes her happy!
- Gift cards don't have to be used up all at once. The recipient can take her time using up the amount.
- Some gift cards can be refilled. The person who purchased the card can make the gift go even further by adding more money each month or on special occasions throughout the year.
The Gift of Time is Always Welcome to a Caregiver
Respite time – time away from patient duties that a home caregiver can use for her own needs – is often hard to come by. The promise of an hour or two a week may not seem like a lot, but it's a welcome break for the full-time caregiver who needs to get away from her duties for a while. Time away from the daily grind has health benefits. At the very least, a few hours away can ease caregiver stress and lighten the mood.
There are other gift ideas for caregivers that generate more free time. Make a meal once a week – even if it's just a casserole – to save a caregiver time and energy. Offer to do simple chores like ironing and seasonal housecleaning; this kind of active help means everything to the caregiver who has little energy for home chores. There are other jobs to consider, such as grocery shopping, caring for the lawn and running errands. These jobs have to be done, but also eat away at any free time a caregiver has.
Finding an appropriate gift for a caregiver doesn't have to be hard or complicated. When presented with genuine appreciation for the recipient, gift cards make splendid holiday gift choices. A gift card can be put in a box and wrapped to put under the Christmas tree.The gift of time can be put on paper and placed in an envelope or box for wrapping, too. Whether it's a gift card, respite time or some other gift, surprise a caregiver relative this holiday season with a gift she or he can use and will appreciate.
Mary King - Mary King is a Suite101 Topic Editor for the Caregiver Support and Home Management sections. She has authored 5 teen-based novels.
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