I noticed the other day a references to National Caregiver Day. In 2020 it's today!
It confused me. I know that National Family Caregivers Month is in November. After a little research I learned that this is a day dedicated to honoring professional caregivers. It is not a “national” month in that there is not, to my knowledge, a Presidential declaration. Rather it is day sponsored and supported by several professional associations. Many are home health and hospice agencies as well as professional medical associations.
The idea is for patients and other medical professionals to express appreciation to those who provide care in hospitals, nursing homes, home health care environments and hospice facilities This is how I found it described on The National Day Calendar web site:
It confused me. I know that National Family Caregivers Month is in November. After a little research I learned that this is a day dedicated to honoring professional caregivers. It is not a “national” month in that there is not, to my knowledge, a Presidential declaration. Rather it is day sponsored and supported by several professional associations. Many are home health and hospice agencies as well as professional medical associations.
The idea is for patients and other medical professionals to express appreciation to those who provide care in hospitals, nursing homes, home health care environments and hospice facilities This is how I found it described on The National Day Calendar web site:
National Caregivers Day on the third Friday in February honors the health care professionals across the country providing long-term and hospice care.
Around the nation dedicated health care professionals serve those who require long-term or hospice care. They provide vital services, reassuring patients and families who care about them.
Caregivers deliver a variety of duties from personal care to medical services with compassion and professionalism. Their days may be long and demanding, but they provide support to those who need it most.
The celebration recognizes caregivers providing quality, compassionate care every day.
While I have been a care giver – what is most frequently referred to as a Family Caregiver, I also experienced the professional caregiver world. The nurses and aids who helped Susan my wife during her active treatment years with breast cancer (she is fine). When I had my own stay in the hospital with a Pulmonary Embolism. Those who provide 24 by 7 care to Susan’s sister now in home with Parkinson’s dementia, these are individuals whose major talent is a loving presence while performing important medical and daily life support.
I can remember the day Susan was discharged from the hospital after her double mastectomy. The doctor had stopped by much earlier in the morning. He wasn’t there at noon when we were leaving. Instead there were the nurses and aides. They felt like family. They were rooting for Susan as hard as I was. ( And I still do every day.)
So here from a very neat web site called Cake has this list of things to do on National Caregivers Day:
I can remember the day Susan was discharged from the hospital after her double mastectomy. The doctor had stopped by much earlier in the morning. He wasn’t there at noon when we were leaving. Instead there were the nurses and aides. They felt like family. They were rooting for Susan as hard as I was. ( And I still do every day.)
So here from a very neat web site called Cake has this list of things to do on National Caregivers Day:
Gift Ideas for National Caregivers Day
You can always give a gift to a family caregiver to show your appreciation. In some instances, as mentioned above, you might not be able to give a gift to a professional caregiver. In those cases, you can write them a letter or make a donation on their behalf instead.
But if you want to give a gift to the caregiver in your life, and you’re permitted to do so, consider the gift ideas below.
Massage, manicure, or pedicure
Caregivers spend so much time caring for others that they might rarely experience care themselves.
You can help them feel pampered with a gift certificate for a massage or other spa services.
Aromatherapy candles or diffuser
Anything that helps a hardworking caregiver relax after a long and stressful day is a great gift idea.
Aromatherapy candles or an essential oil diffuser can show your appreciation on National Caregivers Day.
Baked goods
Caregivers who work long hours might not have a lot of time to treat themselves to fresh-baked cookies, muffins, or brownies.
You can give them an extra boost of energy by bringing in some baked goods. An added benefit of this gift is that they can share with their fellow caregivers at work.
Books for care providers
Give the caregivers in your life the gift of continued learning. Most care providers, both professional and unpaid, are always interested in improving their methods and practices.
Consider giving a healthcare book or caregiver book on National Caregivers Day, along with a hand-written card.
Coffee and tea
Another great way to give your caregiver a boost of much-needed energy is with the gift of caffeine. Bring them a fresh-brewed cup of coffee or tea, or put together a basket of your favorite brews.
Alternatively, you could give relaxing chamomile or peppermint teas for when they’re unwinding after work.
Hand lotions
Anyone in a medical or service industry knows how dried out your hands can get. Caregivers who work with elderly or immunocompromised individuals have to wash their hands many times a day.
You can help alleviate that challenge with a nicely-scented and nourishing hand lotion.
Gift certificate
Treat the caregiver in your life to a dinner at their favorite restaurant or a shopping trip at their favorite store.
Appreciating Caregivers
On National Caregivers Day this year, be sure to take the time to appreciate the professional and family caregivers in your life. The smallest show of gratitude can go a long way for someone who spends their days caring for others.
You can always give a gift to a family caregiver to show your appreciation. In some instances, as mentioned above, you might not be able to give a gift to a professional caregiver. In those cases, you can write them a letter or make a donation on their behalf instead.
But if you want to give a gift to the caregiver in your life, and you’re permitted to do so, consider the gift ideas below.
Massage, manicure, or pedicure
Caregivers spend so much time caring for others that they might rarely experience care themselves.
You can help them feel pampered with a gift certificate for a massage or other spa services.
Aromatherapy candles or diffuser
Anything that helps a hardworking caregiver relax after a long and stressful day is a great gift idea.
Aromatherapy candles or an essential oil diffuser can show your appreciation on National Caregivers Day.
Baked goods
Caregivers who work long hours might not have a lot of time to treat themselves to fresh-baked cookies, muffins, or brownies.
You can give them an extra boost of energy by bringing in some baked goods. An added benefit of this gift is that they can share with their fellow caregivers at work.
Books for care providers
Give the caregivers in your life the gift of continued learning. Most care providers, both professional and unpaid, are always interested in improving their methods and practices.
Consider giving a healthcare book or caregiver book on National Caregivers Day, along with a hand-written card.
Coffee and tea
Another great way to give your caregiver a boost of much-needed energy is with the gift of caffeine. Bring them a fresh-brewed cup of coffee or tea, or put together a basket of your favorite brews.
Alternatively, you could give relaxing chamomile or peppermint teas for when they’re unwinding after work.
Hand lotions
Anyone in a medical or service industry knows how dried out your hands can get. Caregivers who work with elderly or immunocompromised individuals have to wash their hands many times a day.
You can help alleviate that challenge with a nicely-scented and nourishing hand lotion.
Gift certificate
Treat the caregiver in your life to a dinner at their favorite restaurant or a shopping trip at their favorite store.
Appreciating Caregivers
On National Caregivers Day this year, be sure to take the time to appreciate the professional and family caregivers in your life. The smallest show of gratitude can go a long way for someone who spends their days caring for others.
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