South Atlantic Health Care appreciates caregivers, which is why we never miss National Caregiver’s Day each February. We take this opportunity to thank our nurses and staff and show appreciation in a variety of ways.
To help celebrate, we’d like to share ideas on how to honor the caregiver in your life. If you are the caregiver, take this opportunity to evaluate whether you need a professional nurse to step in and help.
Celebrate National Caregiver’s Day with Us
How do you thank the caregiver in your life?
We like to recognize our staff with the following:
- Gifts: Giving a gift to a caregiver such as baked goods, lotions, or gift card is a great way to show how thankful you are.
- Donations: If your favorite caregiver can’t accept gifts directly, think about contributing to their favorite charity or cause in their name.
- Thank you notes: Saying “thank you” through a card can mean the world to just about anyone, especially when you detail what their work means to you.
- Social Media post: Come up with your own post and use the hashtag #nationalcaregiversday along with a short message of why you appreciate caregivers.
Pros & Cons of Being a Caregiver
Wanting to take on the responsibilities of caring for a loved one is natural; however, you should carefully consider the high cost of providing those vital services. Performing such services can take a severe toll on your physical and mental well-being.
For one, it has been shown that instances of depression and insomnia are relatively high for non-professional caregivers, who frequently miss work and other deadlines to take care of their ill or ageing loved one.
There is also the substantial financial cost attached to caring for someone yourself. Medication, food, and other living expenses can mount up quickly. In addition, it’s common to find non-professional caregivers at odds with siblings over shared caregiving responsibilities. Then there’s the time spent away from your own loved ones and obligations.
Look for a Trusted Nursing Home to Provide Caregiver Services
Many people unwilling or unable to handle caregiving themselves turn to hiring a professional. This could be a nurse, doctor, or physical therapist for basic health services. These professionals can manage certain essential duties such as wound care, catheters, injections, feeding tubes, and other similar tasks.
However, if your loved one needs more than this basic care, you may need to look outside your loved one’s home setting. A nursing home offers round-the-clock medical care without the need for a hospital.
Looking for respite care?
If you’re shouldering the burden of caregiving, there are times when you need a break.
Respite care is the answer to non-professional caregivers who need a break. This service is offered by nursing homes in which your loved one can have a safe and comfortable place to stay and receive any care they need, from a few hours to a few weeks.
Respite care can help your loved one with any of the following:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Exercising
- Eating and drinking
- Taking medications
- Enjoying the outdoors
- Getting in and out of bed
Other amenities such as professionally led social programs like music, dance, and art classes can allow your loved one to socialize and connect with others, which is especially important as many seniors struggle with isolation and loneliness.
With respite care, you can rest assured that your loved one is getting the highly trained and professional attention they require and can interact with their peers while you can enjoy a well-earned break.
Make the Right Choice for Your Loved One’s Care
This month let’s all consider how caretakers are an indispensable part of so many peoples’ lives. Does your loved one need a professional caregiver? Contact us today for more information.