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There comes a point in everybody's life where the child becomes the adult. Maybe your parents are at an age they can no longer live alone or have recently suffered a medical setback and need some extra help.
In my case, my mother passed away before she had the chance to experience the parent-child role reversal. I inherited her fate. My 94-year-old grandfather lives with me.
Honestly, my grandfather does absolutely fantastic for his age. People are often amazed when they find out just how old he is. Not only does he look pretty good for his age, but his mind isn't too bad either. When he was writing a memoir he used our old pictures and videos so creatively.
He still tries to be as independent as possible, but this has decreased as the years pass on. Totally something we would expect.
I love being able to share these days with him. He has always been the best grandfather, but being a caregiver can be hard sometimes.
It is a lot like becoming a new parent for the first time or babysitting a young child. Sometimes you have no idea what you are doing and want to pull your hair out.
It's kind of funny how generations so far apart can be remarkably so similar to one another. They both need a lot of help in all facets of life.
Thankfully, I got in on the ground floor with my grandpa, so he's been able to teach me his likes and dislikes from the get-go. Whereas with babies, you have to wing it and learn on the fly.
Along the way, I have learned a lot of things. You'd be surprised at some of the medical knowledge I've sponged up over the years. To help other caregivers out, I've come up with a DIY Caregiver Survival Kit that they will love.
DIY Caregiver Survival Kit
Hover the image below to purchase TENA® MEN™ Protective Shields right now!
An easy DIY gift for the caregiver in your life. Let them know just how much you appreciate them.
Are you taking care of a male patient? My DIY Caregiver Survival Kit would be perfect for you! It has males in mind.
This gift basket includes TENA® MEN™ Protective Shields that I bought at CVS. They are great for caregivers watching males to have on hand – they have a cloth-like outer cover, which makes them very discrete for your patient.
Although you will find that most elderly folks don't have any shame. From slipped farts to talking about bowel movements. It's all fair game to chat about, but they will still appreciate the extra confidence boost.
TENA® MEN™ Protective Shields are an ultra-thin pad with a cup shape that provides light protection against light drips and dribbles while keeping your patient comfortable and secure.
Let's face it; it happens to the best of us. Just ask a pregnant woman.
This DIY Caregiver Survival Kit is SO easy to put together…All you have to do is 1) edit the tags, 2) print and cut out the tags, 3) place tags on products, and 4) put everything into a basket!
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
There honestly is no role you will play that will be more rewarding, challenging, stressful, and heart-wrenching than that of a caregiver, especially to a family member. Anything you can do to make your life lighter and easier as you take on and perform in this capacity is just awesome. Your ideas will be helpful to so many!
Re the giveaway on Kindz, which asks for a comment on this blog re “if you have ever been a caregiver.” My grandson had emergency brain surgery in late Oct 2016, and after he went home from the hospital, he had a port in his arm for a daily IV plus his mom had to give him two shots daily in his abdomen. He’d had an extremely rare condition, which included an abscess in his brain, a cyst in his brain, infection in mastoid bones, infected blood clots in both jugular veins,and more. He was 11 and it was ghastly. My daughter had to return to work, so I was his weekday caregiver while she was at work, and there when the nurse came to change his port dressing weekly. It was very draining to be a caregiver for the little guy, giving him his pills on time, trying to help him catch up with schoolwork without being overactive because of the danger with his many blood clots. And when his sister got out of school for winter break, I had to care for both children… his sister is special needs in a different way and also had meds to manage. It was all worth it; he just had his one-year followup with the neurosurgeon and ENT surgeon, and just this week had his final PT appt… he had to work on muscles that had tightened up during his period of mandatory inactivity. YAY!! He is back to health! The neurosurgeon said his youth and healthy condition prior to the onset of this illness helped him survive; a typical adult would not have survived all the things he had at once! … Now I have to prepare and brace myself for the looming winter break and the special needs granddaughter and her healthy, rambunctious brother 🙂
I still take care of my ten year old daughter. I have been caring for my disabled partner for quite awhile now as well. He’s started to get a bit better though, so I’m hopeful that things will improve even more.
What a thoughtful gift idea!! As a caregiver, I can honestly say that I would love to receive a gift like this! I have two bags that are always packed and ready. One is the “appointment bag” which contains the essentials for a day at the doctor’s office or chemo center. It contains snacks, chargers, daily meds, medical notebooks, wipes, tissues, pens/pencils, and puzzle books. I also have my “go bag” for trips to the ER. It contains a change of clothes for both of us and trial sized toiletries. Both bags come with us everywhere. With a medically complex child and a husband with cancer, I have to be prepared at all times.
This is just so true! I put together something similar for a friend when her son had a hospital stay. It was suggested by a mom who had months of nicu with her twins. I added some comfy slipper socks. Thanks for this!!
The closest I have come to being a caregiver is taking care of my little girl and my husband. I know all the moms and wives out there know that can be an all the time job.
I’ve been a caregiver a few times in my life. First time when I was a young girl when my father got sick. My parents were divorced and my Dad was close to 60 with a bad heart, Parkinson’s disease, and had lost both his legs. It’s was difficult at the time but he was my Dad and I loved him so I helped him in any way I could. When I was around 19 I had a older neighbor who was in a wheelchair and needed help from time to time. Sometimes he just wanted company and a home cooked meal. He was a really nice man and lovely to be around.
Yes , I was a care giver to my mother who passed away at age 89. She was a survivor of Kidney and breast cancer, but she couldn’t survive Alzheimer’s. She lived with us her last year. A beautiful woman inside and out.
My brother is living with my parents and taking care of them both. He a medical back ground which works out well for them. This DIY caregiver survival kit would be perfect for him and I know he could use all these items. Thanks for sharing the awesome idea.
Taking good loving care of our elders is so important. Your caregiver survival kit looks wonderful! It would be a blessing for those who need these items.
This is a wonderful idea and so thoughtful of you to think of caregivers! Sometimes you just never know what you need but you made it so easy with this list!
I don’t take care of a male family member now, but I used to. It sometimes makes for long days. I wish someone had put together a kit like this for me – or at least told me what I needed. I had to start at the beginning.
these are awesome gift ideas. caregivers don’t always get the encouragement that they need, and their jobs can be very draining. it’s such a good idea to honor the caregivers.
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There honestly is no role you will play that will be more rewarding, challenging, stressful, and heart-wrenching than that of a caregiver, especially to a family member. Anything you can do to make your life lighter and easier as you take on and perform in this capacity is just awesome. Your ideas will be helpful to so many!
Very true! Caregiving has its ups and downs but is so worth it!
To become a caregiver is not an easy task. This survival kits is just perfect for everyone doing the job.
Being a caregiver isn’t easy but it is so worth it!
Wish I’d thought of this when I was caring for my husband who had ALS. It would have been a blessing. Thanks for sharing
I’m so sorry to hear about your husband!
Re the giveaway on Kindz, which asks for a comment on this blog re “if you have ever been a caregiver.” My grandson had emergency brain surgery in late Oct 2016, and after he went home from the hospital, he had a port in his arm for a daily IV plus his mom had to give him two shots daily in his abdomen. He’d had an extremely rare condition, which included an abscess in his brain, a cyst in his brain, infection in mastoid bones, infected blood clots in both jugular veins,and more. He was 11 and it was ghastly. My daughter had to return to work, so I was his weekday caregiver while she was at work, and there when the nurse came to change his port dressing weekly. It was very draining to be a caregiver for the little guy, giving him his pills on time, trying to help him catch up with schoolwork without being overactive because of the danger with his many blood clots. And when his sister got out of school for winter break, I had to care for both children… his sister is special needs in a different way and also had meds to manage. It was all worth it; he just had his one-year followup with the neurosurgeon and ENT surgeon, and just this week had his final PT appt… he had to work on muscles that had tightened up during his period of mandatory inactivity. YAY!! He is back to health! The neurosurgeon said his youth and healthy condition prior to the onset of this illness helped him survive; a typical adult would not have survived all the things he had at once! … Now I have to prepare and brace myself for the looming winter break and the special needs granddaughter and her healthy, rambunctious brother 🙂
Winter breaks can be tough! ha! Kids can be a handful but they’re worth it especially grand kids.
I still take care of my ten year old daughter. I have been caring for my disabled partner for quite awhile now as well. He’s started to get a bit better though, so I’m hopeful that things will improve even more.
It’s wonderful to hear they he’s getting better. It’s all that wonderful care you provide him with 😉
What a thoughtful gift idea!! As a caregiver, I can honestly say that I would love to receive a gift like this! I have two bags that are always packed and ready. One is the “appointment bag” which contains the essentials for a day at the doctor’s office or chemo center. It contains snacks, chargers, daily meds, medical notebooks, wipes, tissues, pens/pencils, and puzzle books. I also have my “go bag” for trips to the ER. It contains a change of clothes for both of us and trial sized toiletries. Both bags come with us everywhere. With a medically complex child and a husband with cancer, I have to be prepared at all times.
That’s a really good idea! It’s smart to have more than one for more than one occasion!
This is just so true! I put together something similar for a friend when her son had a hospital stay. It was suggested by a mom who had months of nicu with her twins. I added some comfy slipper socks. Thanks for this!!
That’s a great idea. It’s super useful and people don’t realize how much of a blessing it can be!
The closest I have come to being a caregiver is taking care of my little girl and my husband. I know all the moms and wives out there know that can be an all the time job.
Yes, I know exactly how that feels. It’s a full time job all on its own.
I’ve been a caregiver a few times in my life. First time when I was a young girl when my father got sick. My parents were divorced and my Dad was close to 60 with a bad heart, Parkinson’s disease, and had lost both his legs. It’s was difficult at the time but he was my Dad and I loved him so I helped him in any way I could. When I was around 19 I had a older neighbor who was in a wheelchair and needed help from time to time. Sometimes he just wanted company and a home cooked meal. He was a really nice man and lovely to be around.
You sound like a very caring person. It also sounds like you could definitely use a care package to help you out!
Yes , I was a care giver to my mother who passed away at age 89. She was a survivor of Kidney and breast cancer, but she couldn’t survive Alzheimer’s. She lived with us her last year. A beautiful woman inside and out.
Bless you for taking care of your mother in her last moments. It’s not an easy task and it takes a big person to take on the responsibility.
My brother is living with my parents and taking care of them both. He a medical back ground which works out well for them. This DIY caregiver survival kit would be perfect for him and I know he could use all these items. Thanks for sharing the awesome idea.
It would be a great gift for him! He sounds like a wonderful and sacrificial person. Three cheers to him!
I love the idea of creating your own survival kit. Thanks for sharing these great tips with us.
What’s fun about this is the fact you can create one as a gift as well! Glad you enjoyed the tips!
Taking good loving care of our elders is so important. Your caregiver survival kit looks wonderful! It would be a blessing for those who need these items.
It takes a lot of work to take care of someone. I think a care kit helps soften the blow a bit.
This is such a great care kit. I never would have thought to make something like this.
I’m glad I could bring a bit of inspiration!
Such a great kit to have all the necessary items.Men do suffer just as woman do as far as leakage. My moms husband uses these.
Yeah, many people don’t realize men and women end up having similar issues medically. They’re useful!
This is a wonderful idea and so thoughtful of you to think of caregivers! Sometimes you just never know what you need but you made it so easy with this list!
I’ve been a caregiver and know how useful certain things can be. A good uplifter like this is right on the money.
I don’t take care of a male family member now, but I used to. It sometimes makes for long days. I wish someone had put together a kit like this for me – or at least told me what I needed. I had to start at the beginning.
Three cheers to you for sacrificing your extra time to help out. At least you have some experience just in case it ever happens again. 🙂
My mother has been the caregiver for three of my grandparents in their final days, I know a gift like this would mean a lot to someone like her!
She sounds like one strong woman. I have no doubt she would love it.
It can be so draining taking care of others when they aren’t well. This is such a sweet sentiment to show that they are cared for.
It’s wonderful being able to help others. However, it’s nice when the helper gets the gift of encouragement through something like this.
What a great gift basket! It’s nice to think of the caregiver. I know they don’t always get the appreciation they deserve.
Yes, they are often overlooked. I’m glad you enjoyed the idea.
Such a cute idea! Caregivers need more appreciation in their lives!
Sondra xx
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Yes! From experience, I know how heavy of a job it can be. I don’t NEED these types of things but it definitely lifts the spirits.
these are awesome gift ideas. caregivers don’t always get the encouragement that they need, and their jobs can be very draining. it’s such a good idea to honor the caregivers.
I couldn’t agree more. It’s a big job that can get heavy.
Oh man, I remember those dribbles while pregnant, and let’s not even talk about sneezing! This looks like a great idea for anyone in this position!
Yes! It’s not just for elderly, it’s handy for anyone! Yes, those dreadful pregnancy dribbles, 😛
Very handy and convenient! I love the boredom buster!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! The boredom buster is quite the handy aspect.
The DIY Caregiver Survival Kit is a fantastic gift idea. I know someone who would really appreciate this. Thanks for the great idea.
Please share away! I’m glad you found it as useful as I did. Thanks for stopping by!
This is quite the clever kit. You thought of everything imaginable.
Experience helped with the “everything imaginable” part. 😛 Thank you, glad you liked it!
i love this idea! very handy for sure!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by!
I just love the idea of this gift basket, and how you are taking care of your Grandfather! {client}
I appreciate the kind words and I’m glad you enjoyed the idea!
I had never heard of a caregiver survival kit but it sounds like it could be super handy!
You never know when it could be useful so it’s nice to have it around!