If you have ever tried to extend a helping hand to a caregiver, you’ve likely found that they have a very hard time accepting assistance. Nurturers by nature, they’re used to offering support, but really struggle when they find themselves on the receiving end. Most caregivers don’t want to be a bother or appear the least bit needy, so even when people willingly offer, they have a natural tendency to smile and politely decline.

That doesn’t mean you should stop trying. Here are 5 simple things you can do to bring a smile to the face of the caregiver in your life.

• Wintertime is perfect for sharing comfort food. Just about anyone would welcome a crock pot of hearty soup or a steaming hot casserole. These things not only make for a wonderful dinner, but will likely provide enough for a few lunches as well. Other ideas: Next time you’re cooking a meal, double the recipe and deliver the extra portions to your friend with reheating instructions. Don’t cook? How about sending a gift card for a favorite local eatery?  Be sure to take any special dietary needs into consideration.

• Would your favorite caregiver enjoy a relaxing massage? Consider going in with a friend to purchase a gift certificate, and present it along with a “coupon” offering to provide respite care while she enjoys an hour or so of pampering.

• Is your caregiver friend a member of the ever-growing sandwich generation? If so, make a play date with her kids. Perhaps you can pick them up from school for a movie and dinner, or how about a Friday or Saturday night slumber party with pizza, popcorn, and board games?

• No matter the season, most caregivers could use a little help around the house. Some ideas include shoveling snow, raking leaves, trimming, or mowing the lawn.  Have you heard your friend mention any household “fix it” jobs that are screaming for attention? Maybe you and a few others can pitch in and hire a handyman service for an afternoon.

• It doesn’t get much easier than this! Next time you’re out, simply pick up a heartfelt greeting card. Write a personal note inside and put it in the mail. Everyone loves finding a card in the mailbox; knowing that someone is thinking about you during a difficult time can make all the difference in the world.