It is extremely important for the caregiver to take good care of him or herself as well as the care-receivers. CareGiving can be a thankless, exhausting job and it may seem selfish to take care of oneself when the care-receivers require so much attention. To fail to do so, however, can be destructive. Jesus said, “Love God….Love Neighbor…Love Self.”
The following guidelines are for care givers who feel overwhelmed, tired, frustrated, lonely, or like a “Caged Bird
Caregiving
Caregivers Taking Care of Caregivers
Don’t overlook the major caregiver. He or she needs some uplifting too! The most difficult time for my wife (Jean) and me was dealing with the two-and-a-half-year losing battle with cancer waged by our nineteen -year-old son, Paul. Within days of the diagnosis, his left leg was amputated two-thirds above the knee, and after metastasis he endured a series of six lung surgeries. My response was to personally appropriate the stories of Jesus’ encounters with heartbroken parents: Mark 5:23 became, “My son is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on him, so that he may be made well, and live.”
Alzheimer’s Disease
When Frank’s mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, I think each one of the family members had the same reaction at first – grief. However, over time we dealt with her illness in different ways. Frank’s sister and brother quickly moved into the denial stage and remained there until their mother’s death. Frank himself stayed in the grief phase for quite a while, but then moved on to acceptance. “Acceptance” didn’t mean, of course, that he gave up all hope – he still longed to see moments of lucidity in his mother.
Fly a Plane. Ride a Bike. Walk 60 miles. Care!
What does flying a plane or riding a bike or walking 60 miles have to do with our subject of caring for individuals who are going through a crisis? Listen to this radio program and the connection will become clear.
Wonder
I Wonder You know, Lord, how I serve You With great emotional fervor In the limelight. You know how eagerly I speak for You At a women's club, You know how I effervesce when I promote A fellowship group. You know my genuine enthusiasm At a Bible study. But how would I...
A Healthy Riddle?
What can you give someone that is natural, organic, naturally sweet, non-fattening, no preservatives and is 100% wholesome. It is also free and the supply is endless, and it lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and cuts the risk of heart disease. It also breathes new...