Welcome to the Tennessee Respite Coalition Blog!

We are excited to provide this space for discussion of topics affecting family caregivers and information about the TRC.  Check back here often or subscribe to get the most up to date information about Respite.

November is National Family Caregiver Month!  The TRC has several events planned around the state to support and recognize family caregivers.  Check out our calendar of events for more information.  But this will only reach a fraction of caregivers in Tennessee.  If you know a family caregiver, here are some ways you can celebrate them throughout November:

Create a scrapbook for them:  Sometimes family caregivers get so overwhelmed, they can forget the good times.  Collect pictures of family and friends and create a memory book for them to enjoy.

Offer to give them a break:  Respite is the gift of time.  You can offer to take on their caregiving responsibilities for an afternoon and allow them time to take care of themselves.  Maybe send them to the salon or out for a round of golf.

Get a subscription:  Buy them a subscription to their favorite magazine.  This will be a gift they can enjoy all year and be a reminder for them to take time for themselves and enjoy reading about their favorite topic.

Personalized care basket:  Create a gift basket of some of their favorite things…favorite foods, books, games, hobbies.

For other ideas, check out these links:

http://www.agingcarefl.org/caregiver/resources/gifts
http://carestation.agis.com/2007/12/03/10-top-gift-ideas-for-family-care...
http://www.agingcare.com/Articles/Holiday-Gift-Guide-Ideas-for-Caregiver...
If you have any ideas or want to tell us what you are doing for a caregiver you know, please comment on this blog.  Let’s take time during November to say “Thank You” to all the family caregivers we know!