Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate: Dr. Cynthia Speaks!

Topic: November is National Family Caregiver Month

I am saluting caregivers, here, there, and everywhere. I am grateful for the selfless angels on earth who give of themselves day and night, night and day.

They experience exhaustion, physical pain, financial compromise, health challenges, mental strain and drain, poor eating habits, feelings of frustration, guilt, lack of steady support, and depression due to feelings of isolation.

How do you really thank a caregiver? What can you do to show some appreciation for their sacrifice? Here are a few tips you can do if you know a caregiver.

Allow a caregiver to take a break. This means you have to step up and step in, so care can still be provided safely. Encourage a caregiver to take a walk with some friends. Gift a caregiver with a manicure or pedicure. Gift a movie ticket. Gift a massage or facial. There is a thing called heat pillows for calming the mind and relaxing the neck muscles. A bouquet to adorn the coffee table is warming and adds life and beauty. My favorite, write a thank you note and mail it.

This shows effort and true intent and finally, buy someone a coffee mug. We all need one more mug!

As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, the moral of the story…bless a caregiver with appreciation. Someone else’s journey may one day be yours! Be safe! Be well!