Quote of the Day
The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek out ways to make life better for those around us.
— Terri Marshall

Caregiver Champion would like to wish everyone a Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, Merry Christmas and a Happy Festivus for the rest of us.

All of these holidays share common themes – giving, caring and celebration. This time of the year, we are often inundated by many charities, and in the spirit of the season, we often donate to many of them.

With much giving going around, there is is a group of people we usually don’t think about. They don’t send out a formal mailing, or advertise on radio or television.

This group – Informal Caregivers. This group is defined as an unpaid individual (a spouse, partner, family member, friend or neighbor) involved in assisting others with activities of daily living/ and or medical tasks.

According to The National Alliance of Caregiving and AARP, as of November 2012, there were 65.7 million informal caregivers. This makes up 29% of the U.S. adult population, and this number continues to grow.

The added stress of the holidays reeks havoc on these informal caregivers. They experience increased stress, more health issues, depression, guilt and more guilt!

So maybe it’s time to think about our relatives, friends, and neighbors, along with our favorite charities, and give to them as well.

Dailycaring.com suggested 9 INCREDIBLE THOUGHTFUL HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR CAREGIVERS

1. Regular Breaks – Providing caregivers with some relief is most important so the caregiver can get some rest, relaxation and a chance to recharge. These breaks could be for a few hours every week, a weekend once a month or one day every month.
2. Set up a series of coffee dates – Caregivers can feel very isolated and lonely. Whether you take them out for coffee or bring some to their house, the caregiver has a chance to vent with a friend.
3. Relaxation and pampering – Caregivers experience stress, stress, and more stress. Providing a caregiver with a day at the spa or a massage helps reduce their stress.
4. Home cooked meals – This gives caregivers a chance to save time and not have to worry about what they’re going to make, and provide a nutritious meals instead of pizza or fast foods.
5. A meal out – Providing a gift certificate to the caregiver’s favorite restaurant and providing care for the relative in need allows the caregiver to relax and maybe have some fun.
6. A clean house – Providing a cleaning service allows the caregiver to feel more organized and better about their environment.
7. A completed chore list – Mowing the lawn, shoveling the snow, or raking leaves provides added help and less to worry about getting accomplished.
8. Encouragement and support to pursue hobbies – Caregivers need to feel they can take time for themselves and do something enjoyable.
9. A heartfelt gift – Anything that makes the caregiver feel good.

So this holiday season, not only give to your favorite charity, but think about a caregiver you might be able to help for the holidays or this coming New Year.

I want to thank all of you for making this year successful, and I wish everyone Happy Holidays and a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year.