Appreciation in care: How to strengthen your caregiver and the care culture

A thank you to the invisible heroes of everyday life!  Nursing is by no means easy. Day after day, your caregiver performs physically and emotionally demanding work - often under time pressure, with a high level of responsibility and commitment. They enable quality of life in old age, relieve the burden on families and often bring heart and soul to the household. But how often do we really say thank you for this tireless commitment? A big, sincere thank you is not only appropriate, but crucial for a good relationship and the motivation of your caregiver.

In this article, we show you what appreciation in nursing really means and how important recognition is for the motivation of your nursing staff. You will receive concrete ideas on how to show appreciation in everyday life and learn how to set a good example and positively influence the entire care culture.

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A little excursion into psychology: Why recognition is not an option, but a basic need

A job that you like to do, you do well. This is not a science, but something that I'm sure everyone has experienced first-hand. However, in order to enjoy doing something, several factors have to be right. A good working atmosphere, your own motivation and, last but not least, the necessary appreciation from outside are some of these factors.

In his well-known pyramid of needs, psychologist Abraham Maslow stated that recognition is one of the five most essential human needs. After satisfying basic needs - including physiological needs (eating, drinking, sleeping), personal safety and social contact - recognition from outside is essential. Only by receiving this can you lead a fulfilled life and reach the final stage, self-actualization.

 

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Nora's tip: Studies show that appreciation in nursing is not a minor matter, but a decisive basis for motivation, well-being and the quality of joint work. According to a study by the Federal Ministry of Health, appropriate pay and better working conditions are key, but recognition can be the decisive factor for nurses to stay in the profession in the long term [BMG, 2023]. In addition, studies show that experiencing gratitude and appreciation from patients and relatives is one of the best moments in everyday nursing care [IAB, 2023].

 

The consequences of a lack of appreciation 

But what happens if this recognition fails to materialize? Research results from the Chamber of Labour and other institutions show that a lack of appreciation often leads to a decline in the quality of care and to emotional exhaustion among care workers [AK Steiermark, 2024]. The consequences are burnout symptoms, high fluctuation at work and a drop in motivation. Appreciation is therefore not just a gesture, but a supporting pillar for a healthy and sustainable care culture.

Appreciation in everyday life: Concrete ideas that come from the heart

A hand holds a bouquet of flowers wrapped in brown paper. The bouquet contains various flowers, including a sunflower, white and purple blossoms and green branches. The background is plain white.

Care is usually perceived as a very important and self-sacrificing activity, but this perception is far too rarely reflected in everyday interactions. As a relative, you can play a big part in making your carer's life more enjoyable. We have summarized the best and most popular ideas:

Nice words & Honest compliments

A sincere compliment often has a big impact. Whether delivered in person or with a card - it's a small gesture that can make everyday life a lot nicer. As Caregivers often exposed to injustice and unfriendly people, it is all the nicer to hear that you his work well or that someone sees what you actually do. You don't have to write a long speech for this purpose, because a heartfelt Thank you from.

A bouquet of flowers with meaning

"Nice to have you." "Thank you for your support." Sometimes the best way to say it is with flowers. A bouquet of flowers can say a lot without words. These three flowers, for example, are suitable for this occasion:

  • The sunflower stands for cheerfulness and human warmth.
  • A gerbera can be given to someone you are grateful to for something.
  • The gerbera is perfect for letting someone know that he or she is unique and that you appreciate him or her.

Practical support that relieves

In particular for 24-hour caregivers, who also have to take care of the household, it is a good idea to take on individual tasks from time to time. Cook lunch in advance, bake a cake or do some of the laundry. This often doesn't cost us much time, but it helps your carer to have a more relaxed day and devote even more time to their care.

Gifts with heart and mind

A great way to give great joy is to leave toys or clothes for the children or grandchildren of your caregiver. It is important to find out about their needs in advance. Boys' clothes for girls or the wrong sizes show a lack of interest and are more likely to cause displeasure than joy. But if you choose the right clothes, the joy will be huge!

Important note

Gifts of money or bonus payments are a safe bet. But note: For legal reasons, gifts of money from people with dementia may NOT be accepted by care staff! If you opt for this type of recognition, the gift must be given by someone from the family.

A special experience

A slightly larger gesture that works well as a birthday or Christmas gift is a travel voucher. It doesn't have to be a beach vacation in the Maldives, but a trip to the surrounding area, a hotel or restaurant voucher is perfect here. It's best to find out in advance what your caregiver likes and adapt the idea accordingly.

 

A special way of recognition

Give someone you'd like to say "thank you" the respect and appreciation they deserve. A very simple but effective way to show appreciation is to publicly recognize the efforts of your caregiver. This doesn't have to be a big ceremony: a loving certificate from the family, a photo with your loved one and a few lines in the family chat or sincere praise in front of others creates a deeper and more lasting impact than a private thank you.

A nurse in a blue uniform with a protective mask around her neck holds a bouquet of white flowers and smiles. The background is plain light gray.

Why recognition is so important for everyone involved

Recognition is not a luxury, but the fuel that keeps the heart of care running. In an often demanding and emotionally exhausting profession, honest appreciation and respectful treatment are the building blocks that strengthen motivation and resilience. Studies confirm that recognition is one of the most important motivators for nursing staff - often even before salary. The renowned Center for Quality in Nursing [ZQP] in a survey found that a lack of recognition among nurses leads to frustration and dissatisfaction, while experienced appreciation strengthens loyalty to the profession [ZQP, 2021, Experienced recognition in everyday care, ZQP]. Appreciation is therefore not just a sign of gratitude, but an active investment in the quality and stability of care. It creates a positive cycle that benefits everyone:

For the nurse herself:

An open and honest acknowledgement strengthens your nurse's self-esteem and professional identity immensely. It shows them that their hard work is not only seen, but also respected by their family and environment. This not only motivates them, but also prevents the feeling of isolation that can often arise in everyday care work. When you as a caregiver feel that your contribution counts, stress decreases and the joy of the task grows.

For your:n relatives:n (the patient:in) in need:

Your relatives will feel this positive effect directly. A motivated and satisfied carer works with more empathy, patience and attention. This leads to a more harmonious care situation, increases your relative's quality of life and gives them a feeling of stability and security. Especially for people with dementia, who depend on a reliable and loving atmosphere, the positive charisma of the caregiver is invaluable.

Case study: A gesture that makes the difference

The Schmidt family cared for their father, Mr. Thomas, who suffered from dementia. Their caregiver, Elena, was tireless and empathetic. As Mr. Thomas' 90th birthday approached, the family decided to not only give her a bonus payment, but also to show their gratitude in a personal way. Together, the children and grandchildren created a framed certificate with a handwritten letter of thanks: "Dear Elena, thank you for taking such loving care of our dad. You have become part of our family." Elena, who accepted the certificate in tears, later said how much this gesture had boosted her motivation. She no longer felt like just a worker, but a valued member of the family. Mr. Thomas' smile became even more cheerful in the weeks that followed, as he sensed Elena's joy and the harmonious atmosphere. The family in turn knew that they had not only done something good for Elena with this gesture, but also for her father and themselves.

For you as a relative:r:

Showing appreciation is an action that also fills you with satisfaction. It not only strengthens your relationship with the caregiver, but also makes you feel good about doing the right thing. You have the certainty that your relative is in the best hands and that you have actively contributed to creating an environment of respect and warmth. This is the best basis for a trusting relationship and gives you inner peace as a family.

Your next step: Finding the right caregiver you can thank

Still looking for the right caregiver that you can thank so sincerely? Perhaps you feel the desire to provide a loved one with the best possible care - and to find a carer who is not only a perfect fit professionally, but also personally. The first step towards this trusting relationship is a suitable and reliable placement.

noracares is your partner on this journey. Our matching algorithm helps you to find exactly the everyday heroes you are looking for. Transparency, fairness and appreciation take center stage - right from the start.

Are you ready to find that special relationship?

 

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Together for a better care culture - and your good feeling! Showing gratitude is something simple, and yet many find it difficult. For a large proportion of caregivers, especially in 24-hour care, the workplace is like a second home. Accordingly, they should also feel at home and enjoy spending time there. This is much easier if they know that they are also valued there.

Set a good example and show your caregiver how much you appreciate them once too often rather than too rarely. This will make her happy and make you feel better yourself. After all, gratitude is known to help you become a happier person yourself.

 

 

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Appreciation in nursing means showing recognition to nursing staff for their physical, emotional and professional work. It encompasses both words and actions - from honest praise to fair treatment within the team. Appreciation strengthens the self-esteem and motivation of nursing staff. It is a cornerstone of a respectful and humane care environment.
Carers can be shown appreciation through personal gratitude, active listening and respectful communication. Even small gestures such as a sincere "thank you", flexible working hours or praise within the team have a lasting effect. Supervisors can convey genuine appreciation by giving employees a say, paying them fairly and promoting them. It is crucial that recognition is given honestly and regularly.
Appreciation is important because it strengthens the emotional health, motivation and loyalty of nursing staff. It reduces stress, lowers staff turnover and improves the quality of care. Those who feel seen and respected can work with more empathy and commitment. Appreciation is therefore a key to stable care teams and better cooperation.
A lack of appreciation often leads to frustration, emotional exhaustion and inner withdrawal among care workers. Job satisfaction decreases, which can lead to burnout or a career change in the long term. Patient satisfaction and team dynamics also suffer as a result. A lack of recognition is therefore a serious risk factor for the entire care system.

 

Graphic logo of Nora's treasure trove of knowledge, a collection of information for nursing staff. Ideal for presenting nursing knowledge and advice.
  • Care culture: The totality of values, norms and behaviors that characterize the interaction in everyday nursing care - both between nursing staff and patients as well as within the team.
  • Appreciation: The recognition of the value of a person and their performance. It is a basic need and essential for motivation and well-being.
  • Maslow's hierarchy of needs: A psychological model that represents human needs in a hierarchy. Recognition is one of the higher levels here, which is important for a fulfilled life.
  • Competence communication: A form of exchange in which the focus is on the strengths, knowledge and skills of the other person in order to increase self-esteem.
  • Burnout:A state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress in the workplace.
  • Fluctuation:The rate at which employees leave a company. High turnover in the care sector is often a sign of low job satisfaction.
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