Family caregivers — these amazing individuals who care for a family member or friend — feel isolated in their role. They feel bogged down by their responsibilities, so much so that they struggle to find time to socialize with family members and friends.
Their carees feel isolated because of their frailty or their chronic illness or disability.
It can be a very lonely experience for two people, especially during a holiday weekend.
Because in caregiving, there are no holidays.
To help alleviate some of the loneliness, even for a few hours, take time to visit with the family caregiver and caree in your lives this Fourth of July weekend. Even better: Plan to hold a barbecue for the family caregiver and caree during our visit this holiday weekend.
To help make the event a success, we’ve got a few tips for those family members and friends planning a barbecue:
- Contact the family caregiver to schedule and plan your visit. Often, a family caregiver and caree are tied to a schedule based on care needs, medications and endurance levels. Be sure to keep in mind their schedule when planning your visit. Ask the family caregiver:
- What time is good for dinner?
- How long should I plan on staying?
- What would you like on the menu?
- What tips do you have to make our time together successful for all of us?
- Bring a basket of breakfast goodies the family caregiver and caree can enjoy the next day.
- Keep in mind the purpose of the visit is purely social. Problems, concerns, issues should be addressed at other times.
- Reminisce with your caree; this is a great opportunity to learn some of your family’s history.
- Encourage the family caregiver to sit and relax. Assure him or her that you will take care of the details.
- Appreciate the inner workings of the relationship between your caree and your family member who provides the care.
- Share your thanks to the family caregiver for all he or she does.
We believe Grill for a Family Caregiver is a great way for the family to simply be together, even if only for a few hours. The family caregiver also gets a break from cooking and can enjoy good company.
What would you add to my list to ensure a good visit for everyone?
(Thanks so much for spreading the word about our Grill for a Caregiver campaign by sharing across your social networks. We appreciate your support!)
About Our Family Caregiver Awareness Days
Grill for a Caregiver is one of six Family Caregiver Awareness Days CaringOurWay.com has developed; Kiss a Caregiver, Cook for a Caregiver, Job Jar Day, Bring Flowers to a Family Caregiver, and Labor Day Break take place during the year. Through these days, we hope to create awareness of the family caregiver role within the community and within the family. We also hope they create opportunities for other family members to get involved.
