For the last two years my daughter and I have formed a team to participate in our local Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk. My daughter has become quite involved in the organizing and is on the committee locally. She is creating baskets to be raffled off the day of the walk and want one of the themed baskets to be a "Care-Givers Basket". We have been tossing around some ideas about what should go into this basket and I told her that I would ask all of you Care-Givers what you would like. Serious answers please... Thank You all.
okay, here's my idea....for years, I've been giving this to my acquaintances who have baby showers, for instance. i put together a basket or box, bed tray or whatever I find with one of those teapot/teacup things that stack together. Do you know what I mean? Some special teas, fancy sugar cubes, a spoon (maybe one silverplated special thing found in a flea market?), a nice cloth napkin. I tuck in a special note that says something about all of the things they do for others.....and a reminder to TAKE TIME OUT FOR THEMSELVES! People really appreciate it and remember the nice thought.
Oh, what fun! Single serve packets of Hot Chocolate-(some flavored), or fancy teas, sample size bottles of lotions or scents, gift certificates for lunch out, a paperback or two. A small fleece blanket or a prayer shawl. An assortment of cards for all occasions(when there's a need and no time to shop for one); pretty deck of cards; an artificial rose; a special coffee mug or tea cup. A handheld game; microwave popcorn and a DVD; small puzzle; throw-away camera.
I love lavender bath products, chocolates. Wine and cheese, crackers, etc. Also fuzzy bedtime socks, a soothing nighttime skin cream. Or how about a pretty frame, photo album, disposable camera. Then there could be a candle basket with a coupon for a couple hours of free respite care at their home. A nice basket with a special blend of coffee, cookies and a fuzzy lap blanket. How about a box of microwave popcorn, a gift certificate for a DVD, etc.
Services, services, services. Find people who are willing to give of their TIME. Have them make up certificates that say, for example:
Two hours of yard work. Give "number" of weeks notice for redemption. Name and phone number. Three weeks of grocery shoppping. " " " One 4 hour day per month of "patient sitting". And so forth - you get the idea.
Gift certificates for spa services, movies, groceries. Sport tickets and a certificate to stay with the AD person, so the caregiver can go to the game.
Great suggestions! Keep them coming! Kathleen and I started with a bottle of wine and a certificate for a Massage..... I like the idea of service vouchers.... who wouldn't like that. Just getting some one to stay with my wife so My daughter and I can do a few things together is a big deal. Our family is so far away. We are going to the Annual Alz Org Gala in April (geez, that is just a few weeks from now) and my sister is driving three hours to spend the night to watch my wife.
Thunder- I am sorry- you said you wanted only serious suggestions... Well, I really do not want a manicure, pedicure,a facial, tea, sugar cubes, prayer shawls, chocolates, etc, since I would give my caregivers basket to one of the fine ladies on this board...however, how about a one way bus fare to Australia, tickets to the superbowl, a ride on the space shuttle, a fishing trip to Alaska, a guided tour to Mount Everest, or a free vacation for 1 to Europe. I am sure my dw would love to go. sorry...I am what I am ...quote from Popeye
I am really hoping to go on the Alaskan Caregivers Cruise. Hmmm, Am I still eligible for that?? I take care of the grandkids and my Mom.............................
Anyway, I want to go fishing in Alaska too! At this point I want to go SOMEWHERE, ANYWHERE!
Thunder- perhaps the worst thing you can do on this site is to ask me for a serious answer only...when I see that, my mind races and I just cannot help myself.....
Kathleen is very busy gathering items to be added to the baskets. Even though the Walk isn't until October. I am sure that it will be a great success. Everyone's suggestions were quite helpful.... mostly ;-)