Travel contracts typically last 13 weeks and often require working 12-hour shifts. With rigorous schedules and staffing shortages, many caregivers are undergoing burnout, stress, and fatigue. With Thanksgiving around the corner, here are several ways you can take a moment to show some appreciation for our caregivers and all that they do to provide care for us. 

1 – Send a Card with Handwritten Note

Something as simple as a card with a note can go a long way when it comes to showing someone that you care. If you are/were a patient of theirs, let them know how much you appreciated them taking care of you. If you are a family member or friend, tell them how much you miss them and provide them with updates on what is going on back home. A handwritten note is a quick way to give thanks and will boost the mood of your favorite caregiver.

2 – Send Them Their Favorite Snacks

Caregivers work nonstop. There may be days when it is difficult to have a full lunch, so grabbing a quick snack is the way to go. Send your caregiver a gift basket containing their favorite snacks, along with energy boosting snacks such as granola bars, almonds, or dried fruit. To make the basket more fun, you can download printables via Pinterest or Etsy for “Caregiver Survival Kit” tags or caregiver-themed candy bar wrappers. Not only will you brighten their day, but they will be sure to think of you when they grab a snack from their basket!

3 – Send Coffee

We all know caregivers practically live on coffee to help get them through their long workdays. Sending coffee is another quick way to show your appreciation. Whether it is a Starbucks gift card or maybe a subscription to their favorite coffee website, they will surely appreciate the caffeine boost. To enhance the gift, buy them a personalized tumbler or mug!

4 – Call / Virtual Chat

Another way to give thanks is by calling or having a virtual chat with your travel caregiver. Let them know how much they mean to you and how much you care about them. Having a conversation with your caregiver will not only help put a smile on their face but can also help with homesickness while away on an assignment. For a fun way to show appreciation, put together a video of their close family and friends wishing them a Happy Thanksgiving or letting them know how much they are loved. 

5 – Send Flowers

Along with the handwritten note, flowers go a long way as well! If you are a patient, send your favorite caregiver flowers to their hospital with a small note thanking them for all that they have done during your time there. For family and friends, wish them a Happy Thanksgiving and let them know you are thinking about them during the holiday season. There are several websites or local shops for you to order flowers from and have delivered directly to your caregiver!

6 – Help Them Relax

Lastly, show your caregiver you care by providing them with a way to relax and unwind. Caregivers work nonstop, and having a way to relax is a great way to not only help avoid burnout but to help them refresh and prepare for a new workday. A gift card to a local spa for a massage is a great way for your nurse to relax. You can also create a spa gift basket with items such as bath bombs, candles, a loofah, and wine for them to enjoy. Another idea is to get them a gift that includes their hobbies. If they are into reading, get them a gift card to a local bookstore or for Amazon Kindle if they read electronically. For crafters, make them a basket with art supplies or other crafts. Whatever your gift is, get them something they will enjoy doing to help their mind take a break from work and rejuvenate.

Are you a caregiver looking to travel? We would like to work with you! Click Here to start your adventure today with TotalMed!