Caregiver appreciation banquet, any advice?

I would have appreciated a caregiver coffee hour just as much as a banquet, I knew there were other people like me out there but they all seemed to be in hiding. I think Sweetstuff hit the nail on the head when it comes to things like this, people who are in the trenches don't have the free time for it, or the free time they do get is not convenient. And then unfortunately caregiving for ends, and at that point most people move on with their lives.

When you say you are hosting what does that mean? What is the location? Is there a charge for attending? Have you talked to the Alzheimer's Association for suggestions? They may have a grant available to help with the cost. Do you want to restrict the caregivers to those that care for dementia?

Such a nice idea Pippy!
Placing an event under the auspices of your local Senior Center or Area Agency on Aging (where they hold caregiver support groups) could bring
attention to your event.

Pippy, I want to thank you in advance for your banquet! It is a beautiful idea, and speaks to what a kind heart you have.

I know that sometimes with brand-new events, even the most deserving, it can be difficult to get it started and find the people who would be interested in it. So please don't let any lack of response so far make you feel as if it isn't a good idea. You just have to find your caregivers, and since they are usually quite busy as you well know, that's a problem in itself. So even if it doesn't come together for this March, even if it takes longer than you intended to make your idea a reality, please feel proud of the effort you are making right now to appreciate caregivers.

One thought, does your city or county have a Senior Center that might be a good fit to find the caregivers you want to treat? Or maybe a church or volunteer organization that you could partner with? Just brainstorming here! :)

Hi Pippy. What a thoughtful idea. Maybe some caregivers can’t get away to attend because of their caregiving responsibilities. Have you found a local support group? Maybe this would get the word directly to a target audience. You could meet other caregivers and discuss your idea, If I lived closer I would attend. Let us know how this progresses. Maybe a few for this first event would be enough and then word might spread and it could become an annual event. It might even develop into a group of local caregivers lending support to each other as needed. I wish I had that support. Best of luck and again, extremely thoughtful.

How thoughtful of you to host a special banquet. So often caregivers are forgotten. Even in conversations, people ask about loved ones and seldom ask how the caregiver is holding up. You could let your local Council on Aging organization know about your event or other agencies with caregivers.

You are correct it is a tough job!

I wish you success in hosting this gathering of caregivers. May I ask what inspired you to do this?

I think it will be well received for those who are able to attend. I think some pampering is in order. Maybe some thoughtful party favors such as nice toiletries or delicious chocolate candy. They don’t have to be anything terribly expensive.

Maybe an sign up sheet for those who would like to put an email address or phone numbers to stay in touch with one another.

For those who can get away, even just once a month, you could meet for lunch, coffee and desert or share a common hobby.

Serve food that they don’t normally get to eat because their loved ones are on bland, restrictive diets. At least serve some fun appetizers and desserts!

Have wine or a signature cocktail if you really want to go all out! Mock cocktail for those who don’t drink.

I am sure others will have plenty of great ideas.

Thank you for hosting a lovely event! I know you will be blessed for being such a sweetheart.

It is a great idea. I volunteered at my children’s schools every week and there was a volunteer luncheon hosted by the school for us. It’s always nice to be shown appreciation for our efforts.