With Father’s Day approaching here are some gift ideas for Dads who are caregivers. Thinking about the different challenges that many male caregivers face, here are gift ideas for that super hero, Dad.
A Second Set of Hands- hire outside assistance to supplement Dad’s caregiving responsibilities
Meals- bring prepared meals that can be served or frozen for future use
Cleaning Service- hire a regularly scheduled cleaning service
Emotional Support- go with Dad to a monthly caregiver support group
Time Out- get tickets for Dad and another family member or friend to go to a sports, recreational or cultural event.
Dinner and a movie, lecture or concert. No doubt caregivers deserve time out and need to be with people. Give a gift certificate for two and let the caregiver do the asking.
Regular scheduled visit. Caregivers need company. They often complain of isolation. Visits can be a combination of phone and in person visits on a weekly or more frequent basis.
Medical Alert System: Sometimes a caregiver is afraid to step away and it is common for individuals with dementia to wander. A medical alert system will give a caregiver peace of mind.
Gift certificate or gift cards. Many family members take unpaid leave or cut down on their work hours to provide care. Gift cards and cash are well earned and always welcomed.
Easy activity to do with care recipient – TV game shows: Mary Tyler Moore Show, Dick Van Dyke Show were a delight to watch. They have remastered the entire series. If you want to purchase visit Amazon here.
Father’s Day Gifts should help to unburden the responsibilities of caregiving. As a suggestion, it’s helpful when conveying your gratitude to Dad, share that there is no perfect caregiver only a loving caregiver.
Vivian Green Korner, MA, Certified Dementia Practitioner, is a dementia care specialist in private practice. She works with families who need guidance, direction and help with decisions that they need to make when caring for an individual with dementia. Vivian’s goal is to support families with practical advice, solutions to deal with the many challenges and help families to find the best match to programs, services and professionals.
Viviangreenkorner.com | 201.960.4277