November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize the hard, unpaid work that members of our families provide for loved ones with health challenges.

What is a caregiver?

A caregiver is defined as anyone who provides care for a person who needs extra help. There are a range in types of caregivers, from certified at-home hired help to family caregivers who provide care for their loved ones.

What kind of care is provided from a caregiver?

Caregivers often provide a range of care services and can change over time as mobility needs change. Some caregivers will drive, provide housekeeping, pay bills, ensure proper medication is taken, to even simply providing daily companionship. The scope of work is broad for both professional and non-professional caregivers, but most tend to activities of daily life like washing, dressing, bathroom needs, eating, and getting around.

I have someone who provides care for me. How can I thank my caregiver?

We are glad you asked! For National Family Caregivers Month, BraunAbility created a printable Thank You card that you can fill in with a personal note thanking your family caregivers. Whether you are the one being cared for and wish to acknowledge the help they provide on a daily basis or you know someone who provides care for someone else and want to recognize their efforts, this small act of kindness could have a big impact on a caregiver in your life. 

BraunAbility Surprises Caregivers with Help from Chive Charities

For National Family Caregiver Month in November, BraunAbility worked with our partner Chive Charities to help surprise caregivers around the country with baskets filled with goodies as a way to say thank you. Chive Charities chapters around the US visited the homes of past grant recipients with a custom caregiver basket filled with indulgent snacks, calming lotion, and a cuddle-worthy blanket and T-shirt to thank them for their often-underappreciated hard work. 

Here are some of the awesome deliveries we’ve seen so far.

YOU can still get involved. Here’s how:

1. Download and fill out the Thank You card for caregivers. Let a caregiver in your life know how much you appreciate what they do.
2. Join the Drive for Inclusion and lend your voice to the cause: your participation could shape everything from products to services in your local community.
3. Follow us on social media and keep up-to-date on all happenings BraunAbility.