Gifts

Can I make a few suggestions around gifts for the patient or caregiver? I am so grateful for everything people have done for us and I know it’s with the best intentions. But sometimes traditional gifts are not the most appropriate such as flowers or plants. As a caregiver the burden falls on me to care for them. As a household with a cat I have to worry about whether lilies are going to sicken her or she’s going to tip the vase over. I’m the one that has to remember to put them in the pantry at night. I have to water them and deadhead them. Sometimes that’s the straw that broke this caregivers last nerve!

We have received many gifts of food, baking, candles, wine, tea towels and books. Those are all awesome and graciously accepted. Other, non traditional gifts have been parking passes, Audible and Netflix memberships, gift cards for food delivery. Again, really appreciated and useful.
Then there’s the gift of service. Lawn mowing, grocery shopping or errand running are all useful. Anything to lessen the burden and often it’s the small things that can save a caregiver from exhaustion.
Those are my suggestions when you want to support someone who is ill. Think outside the box. Of course, everyone has their own needs and challenges. These are just my suggestions.

If you’re a caregiver why not comment and tell us your story?