Tag Archives: encouragement

Family Caregivers You or Someone You Know

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Often when the word caregiver is mentioned, we think of the elderly. This is especially true when referring to family caregivers. I found the following statistics enlightening:

According to a recent study by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the National Council on Aging (NCA):

• One in three adult caregivers is also raising a child under the age of 18.
• Someone caring for a parent has been doing so for an average of 20 hours a week for four years.
• One in three adult caregivers is helping their family member get dressed or go to the bathroom.
• Nearly two-thirds of adult caregivers take time off during the workday, while 17 percent take a formal leave of absence and 10 percent take early retirement.
• About 70 percent of adult caregivers get help from family members, friends, or neighbors.
• About 40 percent rely on help from paid caregivers.
• Someone caring for a spouse spends more than 30 hours a week directly caring for their loved one and is less likely to get help from relatives or friends.

Are you caring for someone in your home, or in theirs? If not, you probably know someone who is. Have you considered how you might be of help to them?

We know the most important thing we can give them is our prayers support and our unconditional love. Often a quick visit and a hug will help a weary soul make it through one more day.

I want to encourage you if you are a family caregiver; you are not alone. You are doing one of the most important jobs there is, caring for those who cannot care for themselves.
I pray you will be surrounded with friends and loved ones who care for you. Also, I hope you will take advantage of helps on my website and other caregiving websites.

If you or someone you know needs an extra lift, I recommend Psalm 23 for Caregivers as a great book to have on hand. There is nothing more refreshing than a look at God’s Word and the realization that He walks with us and loves us as no one else can.

Hugs,

Help and encouragement is also found in MY MOTHER MY CHILD in the store.

Encouragement from Sun Snow and a Bowl of Soup

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             The sun seemed to shine brighter than ever as we made our way to town Tuesday. Dry brown fields had given way to vibrant green grasses and wildflowers. Tiny birds and squirrels were announcing spring to cattle caring for their babies on the hillsides.

            Wednesday, a few gals popped in to help me weed our flowerbeds and mow grass. I’m thankful for friends who give of their time to come to our aid. Work, weather, and just plain weariness has taken it’s toll this year on us “older” folk.

            It is now Thursday as I write this letter. It has been cold all day, windy and rainy. We brought some plants inside and covered some as the temperatures plunged throughout the day. It’s barely above freezing now and the forecast is for snow later tonight into the morning. SNOW! Mercy! A daughter-in-law from Joplin called to say it was raining steadily there right now and looks to be turning into sleet.

            Let us review: Tuesday near 80, Wednesday work in yard, Thursday find snow shovel! Missouri – gotta love it!

            I put on a big pot of stew early this morning and prepared to stay in until warm weather. The only way I know to share a bowl with you is to send the recipe. It’s quick, easy, and yummy on the tummy!

Quick and Easy Stew

1 large boneless round steak (1” squares)
2 cups potatoes (cut in 1”squares)
2 cups carrots (sliced thick)
1 cup onions (sliced)
2 cups green beans (I use fresh frozen)
1 can tomato soup
1 can cream mushroom soup
1 can celery soup
3 cans water

              Brown meat, mix all ingredients in large pan and cook on low about three hours. You can substitute chicken breast for steak or lean ground beef and add your favorite vegetables. Variations are endless.

             Changing weather simply reminds us spring and summer are upon us. Farmer’s markets are already filled with fresh fruits and vegetables with more to come.  Be prepared to  enjoy new healthier foods for yourself and those in your care.  Click here for more information. You will learn how to create your shopping list, prepare foods for storage, and dozens of helpful hints as well as great, easy to prepare recipes that will save you time and dollars.

           Trusting you and those you care for will enjoy God’s creation in all it’s beauty. Have a great week.

Hugs,

Refreshing Wisdom from a Young Caregiving Mother

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My thanks to Ashley Haupt for today’s article. I appreciate her insight; I hope this will be an encouragement to all caregivers, whether for wee ones or the elderly.

My toenails depress me.

They aren’t particularly problematic. They’re perfectly functional, average toenails. But you see, I like them to be painted and pretty. Unpainted toenails, or at least MY unpainted toenails, depress me. I’m not one to get regular manicures or pedicures or even to have frequently painted fingernails. In fact, the only pedicure I’ve ever had was before my wedding seven years ago. But I do like to keep my toenails painted so that when I take off my socks and tootle around the house barefoot, they look cute instead of resembling winter mushrooms shocked by a sudden spring.

So why do my toenails depress me? Because I haven’t had time to paint them. No, that’s not entirely true. I haven’t had uninterrupted time to paint them when I felt like it and when they had time to dry. That’s more like it.

I am a stay at home mom with three kids 5, 3, and 1. I am the primary caregiver. Caregivers for the elderly or the young have much in common: constant, time-consuming responsibility that is both physical and emotional, need for respite or shared stress, and lack of time to tend to themselves.

In the grand scheme, painted toenails are a small thing, what we call a “first world problem.” But small things can add up to a broader picture of self neglect which if untended, can lead to depression. The word “depression” means “to lower in worth or value.” On one hand, we know that to serve others above ourselves is the very concept Jesus lived and died by. But on the other hand, when we lower our own worth to the point of becoming depressed, we are increasingly unable to ministry and serve others. We serve best when we have balance, loving ourselves and others, tending to both. Anne Lamott writes, “I get thirsty people glasses of water, even if that thirsty person is just me.”

Painting my toenails, eating a meal while it’s still hot, reading a book just for fun, these are small pleasures that represent pieces of the composite ME. If I deny myself everything I like, I become wasted and thin, weak and withered. I must fill up in Christ, in personal time, in small pleasures received by faith, in order to love others and serve them richly.

If you are a caregiver with primary responsibility, consider scheduling some small pleasures into your week. As you enjoy them, remember to love who you are and fill up on the love of your Creator who loves you, too. You might find yourself more refreshed and ready to serve as a result.

Read more of Ashley’s comments on her blog: 

Hugs,

My Mother My Child will make a thoughtful gift book for all ages. I am grateful for  testimonies from young and older who have been helped and encouraged.