The National Family Caregivers Association (website http://www.nfcacares.org) tells us that more than 50 million people provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member. Stress and the toll on the caregiver’s health are high. This website includes a wealth of information and resources for caregivers.
It is important for caregivers to reach out for help. Friends and other family members might assist by:
Running errands
Helping with household chores
Providing a meal
Carpooling young children or babysitting
Caregivers may feel guilty asking for help, so if you know a caregiver, see what you might be able to do for them. Sometimes just having someone to talk with and receive emotional support from is helpful. The caregiver should be encouraged to look after his or her own health, getting regular checkups and sufficient rest. Respite care, having someone come and stay with the ill family member for a few hours, may be available through a county agency. The caregiver who works should check out the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Most everyone in our Arizona church family is retired. In many cases, there are caregiver situations in which the caregiver is elderly and may have his or her own health problems. We must be alert to these situations so that we can offer support and encouragement as we can.
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