iSavta | 04.09.2020

As the Covid-19 pandemic hits the health care system of our society, we paid tribute to our frontliners who, in all bravery, continued to work and care for us despite the danger of being the victim themselves. These are our doctors, nurses, physical therapists, first responder and all other medical practitioners. We are also indebted to our factory workers, grocery store workers, sales ladies and even our package and food delivery drivers.

 

There’s not much talk about our Caregivers but those of us who are aware of how they work and how much they sacrifice too for the sake of their patients can attest to the heroism and dedication they have despite what's happening in the world right now.

 

Caregivers are one of the essential workers during this pandemic. Many people in the working population who, at the same time, taking care of their parents are having a hard time juggling between work and being safe let alone making sure that their loved ones are safe as well.

 

This responsibility of taking care of the eldely now lies on the Caregiver since visiting a loved one is now prohibited. The elderly are one of the most vulnerable to Covid-19. The Caregivers were given a restriction as well and some of these rules do not adhere to their rights as workers. But, despite the situation, Caregivers are still in tune with their commitment to do their best for the well-being of their patients. Even if sometimes this would mean, no rest day and no meeting with friends.

 

So, if you have a caregiver at home taking care of your loved ones, here are some ways that you can make them feel appreciated and you care for them:

 

1. Talk to them. Treat them as family and talk to them. Listen to their honest opinion on certain things. Give them the chance to say what they feel. After all, it’s them who’s taking care of your loved one for 24 hours. They know better and they know exactly what’s going on. Let them vent out their disappointments and listen to them. You might learn a thing or two. Let them feel that you are there to listen and help them in whatever they need.
2. Respect their privacy. Avoid asking them about their personal life unless they voluntarily open up about it. Do not pry on their things by getting into their room without asking permission. Let them have their private time with their family and respect their boundaries.
3. Respect boundaries. The rest hours and rest days are clearly written on the contract for your Caregivers. If you need them to stay and work on these hours and days, it must be their choice if they want to  or not. It is not your right to demand it regardless if you are paying them or not. 
4. Care for their mental health. The Caregiving itself is stressful enough for them to get burnt out. Don’t make it more difficult for them by making unnecessary demands which have nothing to do with their job as your caregiver. Help them have fun by letting them have free time to do what they want without compromising their health and the safety of your loved one. 
5. Show appreciation in your own little way. A simple thank you could come a long way. Nothing else could make your caregiver feel special than a simple thank you and letting them know that you appreciate them. A simple gift would be nice but a good old pat on the back is essential and enough for them to feel that they are important.