Tips on Offering Hope Caregiver to Caregiver
Are you an exhausted mom, family caregiver, health care provider?
“Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most.” (Psalm 23:1-3 TLB)
Does it seem you cannot get your own work done? Do you know someone in the same boat? Have you given any thought to the other person’s situation and how you can be of help and encouragement to them?
Now, I just re-read the above paragraph; I know how impossible it sounds. I also know from personal experience, the more we learn to reach out to others, the easier our own work becomes. We please the Lord when we take our eyes off our own situations and seek to help others.
Is there someone who could use a little encouragement? As you consider their needs, recall what others have done for you.
1. Do they like to write? Drop a pretty journal in the mail to them (add extra pencils).
2. Get a few extra fresh foods from the local market and drop them by on your way home.
3. Send a beautiful bouquet of flowers (to the caregiver); it will give everyone in the household a lift.
4. As you fix meals, make an extra dish to send or bake a pan of cookies or brownies. If you can’t do that, consider having a pizza delivered.
5. If they could use financial help and you are able, consider hiring someone to sit with the loved one so the caregiver could take a day away.
6. If time permits, offer to write cards or thank you notes for them. Be sure to bring stamps. Offer to find addresses.
Our faithful prayer is the most important gift we can give. Our Father in Heaven knows our needs and He hears and answers our prayers. And, as you determine to reach out, He will multiply your time and your energy.
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hugs,
Portions of this article taken from my book, MY MOTHER MY CHILD. The latest edition contains a useful discussion guide suitable for individual or group study.
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Bless you, Susie, you are certainly aware of the caregiver’s needs. I pray for keeping up my spirit as some days are more trying than others.
Diana,
Thanks for writing.
Yes, some days are trying for sure. I do hope you take time away to cry and release those feelings. I am a firm believer that we must allow an occasional emotional release or we’ll become the patient!
I have been known to go outside on the back porch and just scream. Then I would close my eyes, breathe deeply and focus on God and His wonders. Amazing what a few minutes will do.
Blessings and prayers,
Susie
This is great My Lady,
I have been doing some of these things with a 90 year old friend of mine. when she was here it was easy, now she lives in Lakeland, FL.
From January to March, I couldn’t find her. She wasn’t at the Retirement center where she lived. Could not contact her family, so I prayed, prayed, and then I prayed. Search obits. there, nothing for 3 months didn’t know what had happened. I prayed and asked the Lord if she was with him, to please give me peace. Finally a couple of weeks ago she called me. I was so happy and was crying. When she was here I saw her every Saturday and went to eat, beauty shops, doctor, etc. Now I send her a devotional from my church and cards for all reasons. When I feel bad it seems she knows and she will call.
I love being one of her caregivers. Her family is scattered from here to North Carolina and are living their own lives.
She is a blessing!!!
Love you
June
Thanks, June, for sharing your beautiful story.
What a precious friend each of you has!
So thankful you stay in touch to build memories and encourage.
Blessings and hugs to you,
Susie