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Keeping up with good health is something that everyone wishes for. Amid the ongoing pandemic, the focus is more towards safeguarding our health, avoiding viral risks, and taking careful measures when affected. It can be challenging to stay healthy and being taken care of in the latter years of life. No matter what the situation may be care providers are the ones who do it all for us selflessly.

In a bid to honor the professionals from the home care and hospice communities, November is celebrated as National Home Care & Hospice Month. This fraternity of professionals includes millions of nurses, private caregivers, home care experts, therapists, and others who devote their time and efforts to caring for patients and helping families live a stress-free life. The health care system of any nation cannot serve and function without these caring hands and noble souls.

A good read: Plan a Thanksgiving for your Caregiver

When it started

In 1978, President Jimmy Carter announced November as the month of observance for the National Hospice and Palliative Care.

Every November from 13 to 19, all the care providers in association with the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) commemorate National Home Care Month, National Hospice Month, and Home Care Aide Week.

“Home care and hospice nurses, therapists, aides, and other providers who choose to use their lives to serve our country’s aged, disabled, and dying. This noble work deserves our recognition and praise and we celebrate November as Home Care & Hospice Month for that very reason.” – NAHC President William A. Dombi

Celebrating National Home Care and Hospice Month

It is our moral responsibility to appreciate them for what they do for our loved ones each and every day. Since many Americans aren’t aware of the benefits of this, we should spread awareness about the usefulness and availability of home care and hospice service providers for the greater good. Moreover, take some time to learn more about hospice and home care, and help inform others.

Make it special

In addition to celebrating by doing the things listed above, if you are close to some of the care providers, show your appreciation on a more personal level by giving them simple gifts. Many people who are being helped by these caregivers, thank them in special ways during the National Home Care and Hospice Month. However, not all home care agencies where your caregiver is employed would accept gifts for their staff as per their business policy.

A Thank You Note

The simplest and most perfect gift could be a personalized hand-written thank you note that most of the families give to their caregivers. In agencies where they have a no-gift policy, this is always accepted.

Accessory or Jewelry

Home care professionals generally have a dress code to follow as per the policy of their employer. Most of the time, you will see them dressed in a simple way while they work. You can help them look special by gifting small accessories or jewelry items. These are inexpensive and are also made specifically for caregivers to allow them to express their individuality.

A good read: How Home Care Agencies can Appreciate Caregivers

Appreciating and honoring home and hospice care providers are not just limited to these gifts. There are a number of gift options like books on hospice care, flower arrangements when they arrive at work, pictures of their work over the years, or anything that will make them feel loved. Additionally, for home care agencies, it is important to recognize and reward their caregivers for all of the hard work they are putting in and to keep them motivated for their continued dedication towards caring for those in need.