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Caring Spirit
Fall 2001
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NEWS for the Friends of the Lutheran Home Care Agency
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"Bear one another's burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ." - Galations 6:2
For many adult children, the challenge of caring for aging parents comes at a time when our children are finishing school, and building families and careers of their own. For others, the caregiving responsibility begins earlier when our lives are still focused on managing the demands of a young family. Whatever our unique situation the responsibility of caring for aging parents and other relatives can bring joy and pain, burden and pleasure.
Caring for someone we love is both rewarding and challenging. Caregivers tend to fall into two categories: those who ignore their own needs to the point of emotional, spiritual, and physical exhaustion, and those who recognize the importance of caring for themselves. Clearly we are called to loving care for others, but we are also directed to take care of our own physical, spiritual, and emotional needs.
Caring for yourself includes:
Realistically assessing your skills and needs
Maintaining a sense of humor and finding humor in as many situations as possible
Keeping your body healthy through good nutritional intake and moderate physical activity
Replacing worry and guilt with prayer and Bible study
Asking for and accepting help from family and friends
Resting; taking short daily breaks and occasional longer periods away dramatically improve the caregivers ability to cope
Sometimes the care giving responsibilities become overwhelming and caregivers develop symptoms of caregiver stress. Warning signs which indicate the caregiver may need additional help or relief include:
Losing weight when not dieting
Passive or active thoughts of suicide
Frequent crying spells
Frequent illness or multiple physical complaints
Sleep problems
Withdrawal from family and friends
Open and ongoing conflict between care receiver and caregiver
If someone you know is experiencing the above warning signs, help is available. A number of organizations provide specific programs or assistance for the elderly or ill. Some possible sources for help are:
Churches and other service organizations
Family Independence Agency
Area Agency on Aging
Home Care Agencies and Hospice
Senior Centers
United Way
Department of Veteran's Affairs
County Public Health Department
Private Duty Agencies
Caregiving is an enormous commitment. By openly acknowledging your capabilities and limits, you will be able to draw on the vast resources God provides and find the blessings in the midst of the role.
Sources:
Caring for Yourself when you're Caring for Someone Ill, by The
Staff of Kairos Support for Caregivers.
Caring for your Loved Ones, by Mary Vaugn Armstrong
The Help, Hope, and Cope Book for People with Aging Parents, by
Patricia Rushford
Lutheran HOME CARE Agency offers volunteer and employment opportunities for those who desire to be "Christian Caregivers." If you would like more information, please give us a call at 989-652-4663 or e-mail homecare@lhminc.org.
Lutheran HOME
CARE
Agency Christian care for loved ones
SUBSIDIARY 0F LUTHERAN HOMES 0F MICHIGAN, INC.
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