Considering the Caregivers

Do you know someone who is caring for an ill family member or beloved friend? Someone who is alone in caring for their loved one everyday? If you do, know that they need your loving support. Sometimes their loved one is too sick to be left alone long enough for them to go to the grocery store, let alone have a few minutes just for them selves to spend whatever way they wish. We who are not in this situation take for granted our ability to go out and shop at will, to visit friends, go to a movie or to church. Caring for a sick person is extremely stressful; a caregiver needs to have a break for their own health.

Think about how you can help. If the person is truly too sick to be left alone, volunteer to sit with them for an hour or two. If you are uncomfortable in your ability to be of any assistance if something occurs just sit with the sick person while the caregiver is another part of the home would be of help. I've heard of caregivers who would love to be able to take a leisurely bath; something they can't do when they are in the home alone because they have to hurry in case they are needed. Perhaps cooking a meal or offering to run an errand is something you could do to help. Sometimes the caregiver will need someone listen to them vent. If you volunteer for this, please just listen. Don't give them advice to take certain medications (unless you are a licensed medical doctor and they ask for your help in this area); please don't tell them what they could be doing different or tell them another doctor is the answer. The caregiver just needs to release those vent up emotions and frustrations. Most likely they need someone who can give them a hug and tell them that it's normal to be stressed no matter how much they love the ill person.