Caregivers Support
Colossians 3:12-14 Therefore, as God’s chosen people,
holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,
gentleness and patience. Bear with each other… And over all these virtues
put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Rosalyn Carter said it best: “There are only four kinds of people
in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are currently
caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers”.
In every congregation there are those with family members who need special
care: aging parents, family members with disabilities, chronic illnesses
or conditions, or family members with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Who
takes care of the caregiver? Caregiving can be very taxing emotionally,
physically and spiritually.
How do we, as their brothers and sisters in Christ, care for them ?
In what ways can we be of help?
We can:
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Be aware of who are caregivers
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Listen
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Pray – individually, on list at church or volunteer to be their prayer
partner
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Offer to sit with their loved one while they run errands or have an evening
out
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Fix a meal or bake cookies, etc
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Run an errand for them
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Form a support group for members of your congregation who are caregivers
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Visit
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Send cards of encouragement, their birthday, etc
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Take tape or video and bulletin of the worship service if they are unable
to attend
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I’ll bet you can think of many more ways to help
Remember this may be on-going for weeks, months or even years. Most
of us are good at reaching out for the short run but slowly taper off in
our care and help after a period of time. However, caregivers need
help and caring throughout, so a care group could be organized to help
and care for the caregivers in your congregation.
Websites and other information that may be helpful. I have no
personal contact with these sites, but they were given to me by a reliable
source. Let me know if any should be deleted or were not helpful.
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