Program Overview
November is National Family Caregivers Month. It is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. This year’s theme is “Caregiving Around the Clock.”
Challenges
What challenges do family caregivers face, and how do they manage them day and night?
- Morning: The average family caregiver is a working mother of school–aged children. Mornings become a tricky balancing act of getting the kids ready for school, making sure your loved one has what is needed for the day, and then getting out the door for work.
- Throughout the Day: Up to 70 percent of the time, the family caregiver manages the medications. The more serious the condition, the more likely this is true. This means ensuring their loved one is taking medication correctly and maintaining an up–to–date medication list.
- During the Workday: Six out of ten family caregivers work full or part–time in addition to juggling their caregiving responsibilities at home. Most say they have to cut back on working hours, take a leave of absence, or quit their job entirely.
- Evening: Evenings are for family time and mealtime. Nutrition is as important for caregivers as it is for their loved ones. Proper nutrition helps maintain strength, energy, stamina and a positive attitude.
- Late at Night: This might be the only time that family caregivers get a few minutes for themselves to rest and recharge. The chance to take a breather and re–energize is vital so they can be as good a caregiver tomorrow as they were today.
- Middle of the Night: If loved ones need to go to the emergency room in the middle of the night, family caregivers should be prepared ahead of time with what they need to know and what they need to have with them. It is also advisable to know the hours of a local urgent care facility.
Practical Ways To Support a Caregiver
- Be informed: Invite a guest speaker to educate the group on the challenges of being an around-the-clock caregiver and ways that they can help. The Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is the nation’s leading family caregiver organization working to improve the quality of life for the more than 90 million Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age. CAN serves a broad spectrum of family caregivers, from the parents of children with special needs, the families of wounded soldiers, to a young couple dealing with a diagnosis of MS and adult children caring for parents with Alzheimer’s disease. The nonprofit organization provides education, peer support and resources to family caregivers across the country free of charge.
- Provide Healthy Meals: Caregiving is hard on the mind and the body. Caregivers need to keep their body and mind healthy by replenishing their strength with nutritious meals. Host a meal prep party and assemble some healthy meals that can be eaten now or stored in the freezer. Be sure to include lots of fruits and vegetables, which will provide antioxidants to protect their health.
- Create an Exercise Basket: Exercise is incredibly important for caregivers. It helps relieve stress and keeps the caregiver healthy. Include items such as a yoga mat, light hand weights, stretch bands, exercise videos, and self–care magazines.
- Create a Soul–Care Basket: It is important for caregivers to nurture their soul and know that they do not walk the journey alone. Include inspirational reading material, journal, candle, and tea or coffee–themed
- Give the Gift of Time: Caregivers need to give themselves permission to take some time away from the bedside of a loved one, especially when they are feeling overwhelmed or exhausted. Although they might be a little reluctant, rest and relaxation can help relieve stress and renew energy. Be available to help in any way needed to enable to the caregiver to take the time needed to be renewed.
Lazarus Come Forth
I love the stories of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Jesus loved this family and often stayed with them in their home. He enjoyed the fellowship and perhaps Martha’s home cooked meals also.
In John 11:1–45 we read that this joyful home turned to sadness when Lazarus became very sick and Mary and Martha became his caregivers. As their brother grew sicker, Mary and Martha turned to Jesus for help. They believed in His ability to help because they had seen His miracles.
Jesus had been preaching in the villages beyond the Jordan when He received the news that Lazarus was sick. He knew that Mary and Martha were facing their greatest fear as caregivers, but He did not respond right away. He waited two days before returning to Judea. When he finally arrived, their brother had died. His delay had a specific purpose. He knew Lazarus would be dead when He arrived in Bethany but He was going to do a great miracle. Lazarus died so that Jesus’ power over death could be shown to His disciples and others.
God’s timing, especially His delays, may make us think that we are alone as caregivers. But, He will meet all our needs according to His perfect schedule and purpose (Philippians 4:19). When we need extraordinary help, Jesus offers extraordinary resources. Patiently await His timing.
Resources
https://www.nextavenue.org/reduce-caregiver-stress-get-free-time/
