Giving Back to Caregivers During the Holidays
Being a caregiver during the holidays requires a special kind of resilience and a heart full of compassion. It's a role that often goes unnoticed, yet it is one of the most selfless acts of love. In the midst of decorating the tree and preparing festive meals, caregivers are tending to the needs of those who may be unable to fully participate in the holiday hustle and bustle.
At Applegate & Dillman Elder Law, we wanted to recognize the caregivers in our community by providing an opportunity for their sacrifices to be acknowledged by someone close to them and to receive one of twelve prizes that would hopefully make their season a little brighter with the 12 Days of Caring.
Caregiver Nominations
We started partnering with local organizations to gather a collection of prizes that would either give caregivers a moment of reprieve, a chance to treat themselves, or alleviate the stress of some tedious day-to-day tasks. We’re so thankful to our community for stepping up to the challenge and supporting our efforts in this campaign!
Caregiver nominations were open from November 1 – November 15. We worked on spreading the news of 12 Days of Caring far and wide to receive as many caregiver nominations as possible. Our team even made an appearance on Fox59’s IndyNow to discuss the importance of this campaign and how to submit nominations. We received nearly 60 heartwarming and heartbreaking nominations from across Indiana, all submitted by people who know a caregiver and want their sacrifices to be acknowledged and rewarded.
After randomly selecting nominations for each prize, and reaching out to each winner, we were thrilled that all of the prizes seemed to miraculously line up with a struggle or need that particular caregiver was facing.
For example, one caregiver who is a mother of two young boys, moved her father in to their home to keep him from being abandoned in a facility as his health was deteriorating. He is now integrated into their lives as well as the community and is prospering. Her husband (nominator) says, “While she appears to have boundless levels of energy as the last one to go to bed at night and up early in the morning, I can see that she could use some time to herself as a break.” This caregiver was the winner of a spa gift card from Burkhart Marketing Partners and a heated blanket from Ascension Living St. Vincent PACE.
A woman suffering from SMA, a type of Muscular Dystrophy, nominated her husband. “I need a power chair to move around, and he helps me with everything, from cooking and cleaning to driving and dressing. He is my hero.” This caregiver won a professional house cleaning service as well as a gift card to one of their favorite restaurants.
We received a nomination from a caregiver’s daughter who wanted to recognize the love and support her father is providing for her mother, who suffers from Dementia. He works diligently to keep her involved in their family’s life and has endless patience, which are traits caregivers of this disease know all too well. “My Dad has to plan, prepare, and take the extra time to keep my Mom involved in life. I am so proud of my dad for stepping up and taking such loving care of my Mom!”
Despite the challenges, being a caregiver during the holidays is also an opportunity to embody the true spirit of giving. The gift of time, patience, and unwavering love becomes a profound expression of the season's values.
In the midst of the glittering lights and festive decorations, let's take a moment to recognize and appreciate the unsung heroes—the caregivers who, with boundless love and dedication, make the holidays brighter for those they care for. Their acts of kindness and sacrifice remind us that the true magic of the season lies in the selfless giving of ourselves to others.
Thank you to our Sponsors & Community Partners
Without the help of our community partners, this campaign wouldn't be possible. A very special thank you to Ascension Living St. Vincent PACE, Independent Adult Day Centers, Burkhart Marketing Partners, Capri Italian Restaurant, The Memory Compass, Flanner Buchanan, Curtis Reeser at Westpoint Financial, Wellbrooke of Carmel, American Senior Communities, Judy Wolfe at Tucker Realty, Partners in Aging, and Storen Financial. These businesses brought an extra spark of hope and joy to those in their community. Thank you!
For more information on the prizes and sponsors, visit our events page.
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