Tips to Show Appreciation to Your Caregiver

In-home care is about one person helping another. Showing appreciation isn’t a bonus, it’s a necessity.

Appreciation Matters

Finding the right personal assistant and dealing with turnover is a common issue. People now are seeking meaning and connection in their work, and are more likely to leave a position after many small moments that made them feel invisible.

Employee Recognition

People want to know they belong. Recognition helps them feel seen, and can shift the mood of an entire day. As an employer, you can make or break that feeling.

Expressing Gratitude

Sometimes people think showing gratitude weakens accountability. It actually strengthens it when feedback comes from a place of respect.

Ways you can show gratitude:

• Listen carefully and respond appropriately.
• Share praise whenever possible. Generic phrases like “Nice work today” fade fast. Focus on details like “The way you handled —- showed that you really care.”
• Thank your caregiver often. Doing it regularly will start to feel normal.
• A handwritten note expressing your gratitude is powerful.
• Consider a meaningful gift: a hobby kit for crafting, tickets to a movie, books or puzzles, self-care spa kit with face masks, bath bombs and lotions.
• Subscription boxes with gourmet snacks, meal kits, coffee, etc.
• Create a customized playlist of music for them.
• A monogrammed tote bag for carrying their stuff to and from work.

Choose a moment to show your appreciation when your caregiver has a bit of free time and can appreciate the gesture without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. No matter what you decide to do, you will be glad you did it!