The Caregiver and Self-Care
Do you know someone who is an informal (family) caregiver? Maybe you have spent time in this role. Here are some resources and information to support you in this hard and holy work.
The Mayo Clinic published information for caregivers regarding stress management. In the United States in 2015, there were an estimated 43.5 million caregivers providing unpaid care to an adult or child in the U.S. (sources: National Alliance for Caregiving, and AARP). According to the Mayo Clinic, 1 in 3 adults in this country care for other adults. No matter the statistic, this population has reached epic proportions. Many family members do not identify as being a caregiver, rather they see their role of spouse, sibling, or parent includes performing a loving duty. No matter how we name it, we have the same need for self-care, as stress takes a toll on us.
People who experience caregiver stress can be vulnerable to changes in their own health – both physical and mental. As the condition of the care recipient changes, daily needs upon the caregiver increase. The Mayo Clinic identified the following as risk factors: social isolation, number of hours spent caregiving, financial difficulties, and depression. The result? Feeling overwhelmed, having frequent headaches, or alcohol abuse, to name a few. No matter how a caregiver feels today, it is important to be aware of minimizing these risk factors and the reactions we can have to such stressful times. Here are some actions that can help:
1. Accept help. Ask a friend to come over or go for a walk. Share what needs you have and allow them to help – even if it is staying at your house while you go to the store or share a cup of coffee.
2. Focus on what you can do. You are not perfect. Seek help or advice in those things that are a struggle right now.
3. Set realistic goals. Make lists and prioritize your daily routine. Take on what you can do easily.
4. See your doctor on a regular basis. Taking care of someone else starts with taking care of you!
5. Get connected. Start with the Family Caregiver Alliance and the National Center on Caregiving (https://www.caregiver.org). There are many other groups, depending on the challenge your loved one is facing.
6. Give yourself a break. There are programs available for in-home respite, and you can obtain more information through the Family Caregiver Alliance.
7. Join a support group.
Saint Stephens will be continuing our ZOOM calls for caregivers and friends on the fourth Thursday of the month at 12:15 p.m. Our next gathering is February 25, 2021. Contact the Rev. Katherine Harper (katherine@ssechurch.org) for details.
If you have a caregiver need, are seeking prayer or counsel, or have a question, call the church at 205-967-8786. Remember - you are not alone! The people of Saint Stephen’s will be walking alongside you through the hard and holy work of being a caregiver.
Blessings,
Michael Goddard, Chaplain (ACPE)
Michael Goddard is a parishioner at Saint Stephens’ . He has served as a mental health chaplain at Brookwood Baptist Princeton Hospital in the Birmingham area. He holds a BS in Education and an MA in Urban Ministry. Michael is working currently on a Doctorate in Leadership with emphasis on Christian ministry.