Home Statements of Purpose Board for Management News and Activities Bible Study Health Topics Contact Us Links Wheat Ridge Ministries Health Notes courtesy of Parish Nurse Marla Lictsin

LPNI Health Topic - February 2012 Caring for the Caregiver      A group of people who need the attention of the church and parish nurses are caregivers.  As the population in much of our world is aging, we find that 80 per cent of the care in our communities is provided by “family” caregivers.  Typically they are females aged 45–60.  Studies have shown that family caregivers who provide 36 or more hours of care weekly, are more likely than non-caregivers to experience depression or anxiety.  Caregivers may be reluctant to ask for help because they feel they should be able to “handle” all the tasks involved in their own lives and those of the person for whom they are providing care.       Caregivers can experience “burnout” — a condition in which they have no energy, have an inability to eat or sleep, and have feelings of despair.   Other warning signs may include changes in sleep patterns, emotional mood swings, depression, social withdrawal, or resentment toward the person for whom they are caring.      Acts chapter 6 describes the early church “caring” for those who needed help — widows and those who needed food.  The first committee to provide care was then formed (Acts 6:3).   The church today can care for families who are providing care for loved ones, by letting them know they are not alone and that we recognize the burden they carry.   Parish nurses can provide information and referrals to trusted sources of support in the community.   The church can provide volunteers to give caregivers respite or to help perform tasks such as meal preparation or errands.      The church can also host caregiver support groups or classes that will give caregivers strategies to help them avoid “burnout”, such as: •    accept help from friends, or community resources; •    take small breaks throughout the day — read, spend short periods doing a hobby or taking a bath; •    stay connected to the outside world — dine with friends, attend concerts; •    keep a sense of humor — watch funny movies, read the cartoons; •    exercise — walk in the park, join an exercise group; •    attend worship and Bible study; •    recognize their limits and not bottle up emotions — find someone to share their true feelings with, such as friends, family, clergy, or a support group.      Caregiving is not a one-person job.  It requires a community. May our communities of faith give love and care to these faithful people. Catherine F. Lick, MSN, RN, Parish Nurse Faith Lutheran Church 37635 Dequindre, Troy, MI, 48083, USA 248.689.4713 ext 217, email: click@faithtroy.org