5 Simple Ways to Thank a Caregiver

So many lives have been touched by the love and commitment of caregivers. How can we begin to thank them? 

To help show our gratitude for those who provide care, we offer a few ways to thank a caregiver:

1. Give Them Time to Care for Themselves

Between medication management, doctor’s appointments and meal prep, it may be quite difficult for home caregivers to find the time for self-care. 

An incredibly thoughtful way to say thank you is simply giving them a break to focus on themselves. This can re-energize your loved one and help them avoid burnout. 

2. Send a Thoughtful Gift

A thoughtful present has the power to brighten a caregiver’s day. Send them something special to let them know how much their effort means to you. Here are a few gift ideas for caregivers:

• Gift basket with their favorite items 
• Books & magazines
• Aromatherapy candles
• Gift cards (favorite restaurants, groceries, gas)

Even though it may not seem like the most glamorous present, monetary gifts can also be extremely helpful, as the cost of caregiving can be quite high. One idea is to ask your loved one where the costs add up the most, like hospital parking. You can help cover specific costs to add some extra thoughtfulness to the gesture. 

3. Tell Them How You Can Help

Instead of asking how you can help, tell them what you can do. The strain of being a caregiver is already overwhelming; figuring out ways everyone can help adds another thing on their to-do list.

Swing by to walk the dog, wash their car or drop off pizza from their favorite spot – whatever you can do to help with life’s daily chores. It will be a show of gratitude they won’t forget. 

4. Simply Say Thank You

Thanking care providers with words is one lovely way to show your gratitude. We asked our community to acknowledge caregivers for all their support and love. Here are a few of their thoughtful caregiver thank you notes:

“Thank you to our special caregiver, Amanda Tingle Taylor for the outstanding care she gives to our son Daniel Pierpont Taylor and their two daughters.”

Jane D. T.

“As a caregiver, I have been blessed by many clients. One time, I was going through a rough time at home, while I didn’t talk about it at work, one of my clients, who had a difficult time speaking, would stop me in the hall way, and say, “I’m praying for you.”

Bonnie P.

“Robin B. M. was my caregiver through my journey with Breast Cancer. She was always there to support me and pushing me forward to fight especially at my lowest points. She is the most compassionate person I know! There are times I am not sure I would have pushed through if it weren’t for her!”

Denise E.-P.

“During my four year battle with Refractory Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, I was traveling alone to MD Anderson for an immunotherapy trial every two weeks. When I started dating my boyfriend, DJ Thompson, he insisted I couldn’t go alone anymore. To this day, he’s been by my every step of the way. I honestly don’t know how I survived so long without him. Thank you, My DJ, for the entirety of everything. I LOVE YOU!”

Paige K. H.

Sometimes, a gift can be what you don’t say. Avoid unhelpful language and focus on words rooted in gratitude and empathy. Here are some inspiring caregiver quotes to get you started.

5. Start a Free CaringBridge Site

CaringBridge is a nonprofit social network dedicated to helping family and friends communicate with and support loved ones during a health crisis. CaringBridge can help caregivers receive the help they need as easily as possible.

For example, our on-site Planner helps you coordinate care and organize needs like bringing meals, rides to doctor appointments or taking care of pets.

Who Would You Thank?

We hope these 5 ideas sparked some inspiration for how to say thank you to a caregiver.

For the caregivers you know in your life, how do you show your appreciation and support? Share your gratitude in the comments!