caring Archives - Page 3 of 9 -

Safe Place to Share and to Learn

Posted on August 20, 2014 by adminOctober 26, 2016

Where you can go now to get information and share information.

As we look at statistics about caregivers and who they are, think about your own situation or someone you know who is caring for someone on a regular basis. Where do you go for help? Who will understand? I want to share a great place to find some help and encouragement.

A few statistics about family caregivers.

Three out of four family caregivers who care for someone over the age of 18 either work now or have been working while providing care. Two thirds have had to either give up their jobs or have made adjustments to their work life. One in five family caregivers have had to take a leave of absence.

Family caregivers spend an average of twenty hours a week caring for their loved ones. Many provide 40 hours a week or more.

You are not alone in your situation.

We can easily see that we are not alone in our struggles to care for others and ourselves. Years ago, I felt like I was the only person who would understand my frustrations and yes, even my joys. I would have benefited much from someone who had walked the path before me.

Two lessons I learned when caring for Mother.

Often we get overloaded and stressed out when we are not aware of helps available. I have learned two great lessons through my caregiving years:

1. I cannot do everything myself either physically or mentally.

2. It is worth my time to learn what others are doing in my situation; to explore options.

Here is information about my favorite caregiving website.

I have found this website to be full of helpful ideas and solutions from those who have been in a similar situation and learned from it.

This on-line resource has undergone some upgrades recently; there are many free articles, videos and e-books available as well as items to purchase. There are even contests and games if you have time for a little diversion.

I was privileged to write a few articles for some of their gift book series. The website address for Caregiving.com is http://www.caregiving.com and I think you will find it helpful.

For most of us, finding a safe place to chat and share our hearts is all we need. Talking things out is often the best answer to our problems. Please do let me know if this is helpful to you.

Hugs,

Looking forward to hearing from you; you are an encouragement to me. Watch for great news coming soon; you’ll be the first to know!

Caring Enough to Bring Springtime Inside

Posted on April 7, 2014 by adminOctober 26, 2016

Entering a friend’s room in a care facility, I cheerfully clutched my fresh-picked daffodil bouquet. The sweet lady in bed was not able to go outside and enjoy the magnificence of springtime’s arrival and I was sure my small gift would brighten her drab room.

I was in complete awe as I entered her room; I felt I walked into a spring garden. Residents and staff had decorated each resident’s room with colorful spring posters and pretty flower cut-outs. Streamers of bright ribbons adorned pictures on the walls and bows accented the lamps and such. Not only did spring’s arrival permeated each room, the holiday atmosphere grew as each employee joyfully greeted visitors.

One of the staff told me they celebrate each month with all the vigor they can muster. “Not a one of us, after all, is promised a tomorrow! We simply must do all we can do today to celebrate the goodness of God.” Wow! That profound comment was food for thought!

I recall holidays when we were caring for Mother. We hurriedly put out an appropriate card and flower of some sort as holidays came and went and seasons changed. I may have even decorated a cupcake or two. But, to celebrate each day like this? No, not at all.

The truth is, spring has sprung! Easter is here! We have much to celebrate, not the least of which is A Risen Savior! How better to spread the Good News of New Life than to splash color around your home; at least in the room occupied by the home-bound. Give them and your family something new to gaze upon. Add life and interest to your home.

Celebrate family! Celebrate life!

I pray for you, dear friend, that you find rest when you are weary. I pray you find resources to meet your needs and those in your care. I pray you find courage and hope for the days ahead.

Most of all, I pray as Easter approaches, that you know the Savior that rose from the grave that day and offered His free gift of Eternal Life and Hope to all who would receive it. Happy Easter! Blessings and hugs to each of you.

Thanks for dropping by; leave a note and I’ll answer. Share with friends so they will sign up for my newsletter (box at the top right of the page). You can help me be an encourager to those who need a weekly hug. Blessings.

5 Caregiving Lessons from Moms and Grannies

Posted on March 18, 2014 by adminOctober 26, 2016

This morning at a meeting, I observed some of the greatest caregivers ever. Watching them I realize afresh, caregiving IS caring, period. A caregiver is a person of any age who takes time to care for those in their family or their sphere of influence.

I was in a planning meeting today with a group of women, young and not-so-young. from several of our area churches. When I left the house it was below freezing and the ground was snow-covered. I wondered if any would make it.

As ladies drifted in, one granny got her two young grandchildren settled with something to occupy themselves before she grabbed a cup of coffee and joined us. An older girl was likewise made comfortable by her grandmother before she found her seat.

As the hours passed, I watched a young mother quietly feed and care for her infant, meeting his needs as she contributed to the meeting.

Several of these women had risen early to prepare their homes for their return at lunchtime. Most had driven many miles in freezing weather to attend. We had a record attendance and the enthusiasm was contagious.

I could not help but think of the valuable lessons these little ones are learning from their parents and grandparents. Here are just a few I noted today:

#1 That they are loved, have value, and will be cared for even while the adults have other obligations.

#2 Keeping commitments is important, even when it calls for extra work or inconvenience. They will someday realize the value in serving others, even when it is not necessarily the easiest thing to do.

#3 They observed their parent/grandparent as a calm, organized adult meeting the needs of others even when they could have stayed home by the fire.

#4 They learned by their own actions how to respect and honor those around them; how to be quiet when the adults were busy in a meeting.

#5 And lastly, but certainly not least, they watched first-hand how important serving Jesus and His Church is to their parent/grandparent.

Today was simply a scheduled meeting with a bunch of ladies planning another retreat. Or so it was with some. For their director, it was a worship experience. Those precious ladies came caring for family, yes. They also came caring for their lost friends and neighbors. They came to serve. They are true caregivers!

I am humbled, honored, and blessed.

I wonder, what are you and I teaching in our home with our actions? I pray you and I, too, will never be too busy or too tired to be an encouragement to others.

hugs,