National Assisted Living Week runs from September 11-17, 2016. This week offers a perfect chance to recognize the staff at the community where your senior loved one lives. These individuals care for the health and well-being of your friend or family member, so why not show you appreciate all their hard work? Here are some great ways to thank your favorite senior community staff members:
Say, “Thank you!”
There is nothing better than simply telling someone you care. If a particular nurse or other person takes time out of their day to spend time with your senior loved one, tell them thanks. Share why you appreciate what they do and how much it means to you that they pay special attention to your loved one. The people truly are what makes a place special, and senior community staff are a huge part of the atmosphere!
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Write a card
The nice thing about writing out a card is that the recipient can keep it as a fun memory forever. Have your kids make a thank you card, or buy one and write your appreciation to the senior living community where your loved one lives. Cards are great because you can really think about what you’re writing. A simple “Thank you for taking great care of our loved one” will suffice, but feel free to dig deeper and share more. For example, “My dad really loves talking with you every day. You always cheer him up when you come to check on him, and it means the world to our family that you are there. Thank you so much for all that you do. We are so happy knowing that he is being well cared for by professional and kind people.”
Make some treats
Just about everyone appreciates tasty treats! Celebrate National Assisted Living Week by bringing yummy foods to the community where your senior friend or family member lives. You can bake banana bread, make cookies, or even go for healthier options like bringing a fruit salad or cheese and crackers. Share your thanks when you bring along the treats, and consider listing the ingredients if you made something at home. This way, anyone with allergies or food sensitivities can easily see if they can enjoy your gift.
Help your Loved one Say, “Thanks!”
Since the senior is the person who interacts with community staff on a daily basis, why not help him or her show gratitude for National Assisted Living Week? Work with your loved one to create thank-you cards or a fun poster. You could even make a scrapbook featuring photographs from the activities the senior has attended and enjoyed within the community. Add family photos and any shots you may have with the senior’s favorite staffers to really personalize the piece. Then, present it to the community with words of thanks! Everyone will appreciate the work you and the senior put into the thank-you project.