It was an honor to spend the day with every day heroes last week. I work with a group that hosts an annual symposium for Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders caregivers. This group includes amazing home caregivers and workers in the field who come to earn continuing education units. This photo was taken during a presentation on music therapy.
My assigned task at registration and check in is with the actual home caregivers. This is where I make new friends and hug old ones. Some walk in looking exhausted and needing a break from caregiving. Others walk in as couples and it is evident that one is the other’s caregiver. Siblings come in together to learn and support each other.
Our goal is for all to learn new information and leave encouraged. Our amazing volunteers and sponsors make homemade cinnamon rolls, provide lunch, set-up and break down, donate beautiful floral centerpieces and love on those who attend. Each vendor provides great door prizes for the caregivers.
A knowledgable caregiver is a better caregiver. I call them every day heroes because they give their all each and every day. My heart breaks when they are overwhelmed with little support. Many have given up income to be a caregiver. Many sacrifice finances to hire help. All are on duty 24 hours a day.
When these heroes complain, they almost always tear up and apologize. Guilt of not doing better weighs heavy on their shoulders. Many have expressed at the support group I lead that they feel ill equipped as a caregiver. They truly want to be amazing at what they do. One was battling with cancer while being a caregiver. Another walked in and announced she had suffered a mild heart attack. The group has bonded through sharing their stories and encouraging each other.
Are you one of these heroes I love so much? Do you have a support group to build you up and encourage you? I encourage you to seek one out. Perhaps your church would sponsor a day for caregivers.
If I could be with you I would share a cup of coffee or hot tea and then send you off for a nap while I became the caregiver for a couple of hours. Since I can’t be everywhere for everyone I pray that God will send a friend or family member to do this for you.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Song for Today
Prayer for Today
Dear God,
Lead me as I lead those around me. They now need me more than ever before. Show me how to connect with them so that they feel my love as well as yours. Thank you for the wisdom and grace you have given me as I serve as a caregiver to someone I hold dear.
Caregiving comes with tears. Before you drown in those tears, take a few minutes to reflect on the times you had to laugh.
Have you ever received a phone call from a parent telling you that their phone is not working?
Dad “I just called to tell you my phone isn’t working”
Me “Whose phone are you using now?”
Dad “Mine.”
A caregiver called one day to tell me my mom was having a yard sale. I asked how she knew this and was informed that mom had been throwing things into a closet all week for the sale. I asked about which closet and realized it was not a closet. It was a rear staircase that led to their garage. When I checked it, the entire staircase was full!
A friend left a large cup in her car with her dad. Later that day when she retrieved the cup, it was full of urine. Her dad had used it while she ran into a business. When asked about it, he informed her that a strange man hopped into the car, used her cup and left.
Another caregiver I know left his wife in the kitchen. When he returned he entered an “I Love Lucy” episode. She had poured liquid detergent into the dishwasher and turned it own. Bubbles were everywhere.
Some dementia patients have a lingered guilty conscience they have to clear. An 86 year old woman pulled me aside one day and insisted she had something she had to tell me. She led me to a corner and lowered her voice. She once again insisted I had to hear this. I calmly told her she could tell me. She leaned in and lowered her voice. I then listened as she informed me that she had a thing going on with my husband. It was very difficult to control my laughter as I thanked her for telling me. I approached the facility director with this information. She laughed and said the woman had a thing with her husband and most of the employees’s husbands.
Sometimes you can’t truly laugh until later, but you will have things to amuse you on this journey.
Humor is a gift. God gave us emotions and reassured us that they will change…
a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
I wept. I laughed. I mourned and am still learning to dance.
A new rhythm is emerging as I assist others on their journey of caregiving. I still weep when they weep. I still laugh when they are able to laugh. I wrap my arms around them when they mourn. I am now able to walk away and focus on looking forward and making memories in the moment during our retirement years. Maybe the days on our farm playing with dogs and tending sheep will bring joyful dancing.
Just remember the emotional ups and downs are temporary. Don’t hold back the emotions. They may explode at the wrong time and place if you don’t release them when you can. Step away when angry for a few moments to regroup. Laugh privately at the funny moments and with a person when they see the humor too. Never make them feel as if you are laughing at them.
Just this morning a friend who is a caregiver sent me a funny text that had brightened her day. I was thankful that she is taking time to do this for herself.
Go ahead and smile as you read the quotes below.
“My job has made me a pro at finding things I didn’t lose.”
“Leftovers? I prefer to call them ‘meal prep for the next week’.”
“I argued with Mom for a half-hour to wear matching socks only to discover I went shopping with my shirt inside out.“
All of you could add your own moments of humor. Go ahead and comment me with yours so I can laugh with you.
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
Song for Today
Prayer for Today
Dear God,
I am so thankful that you understand the many emotions that I am experiencing as a caregiver. Sometimes I struggle with these emotions but I know you stablize me and encourage me through all of them. Help me to find my joy in you.
“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” ― Vince Lombardi
There is no perfect caregiver. We all will miss the target. As Vince Lombardi stated we can chase perfection and catch excellence. If someone or something has the quality of excellence, they are extremely good in some way. If you are chasing perfection, you are discovering what your strengths and weaknesses are. Caregiving demands are high and varied. The tasks can change daily.
I think a perfect caregiver is someone who is striving to learn all they can about Alzheimer’s and preparing for changes that are inevitable. You make adjustments as circumstances and behaviors change. You find a balance of letting go of dreams and accepting the new future you face.
You acknowledge that God is the only perfect one. You will learn to rely on him to carry you when your load is too heavy for you to bear. I witnessed a man this week as he struggled to help his wife through some difficult days. The stress I expected to see was replaced with tear filled eyes and trembling hands. This man has a soft heart and the new situation he is in has taken quite a toll. Those are the days that break my heart as well. It was taking every bit of courage, patience, unselfishness and kindness he could find to survive. He was using all he had within him to show excellence as a caregiver.
My hope is that he has friends that will wrap their arms around him, pray for him and help him with practical things so he can rest. Caregivers want to get it all right. There are some things you can’t fix or get it right. Tiredness and frustration can make you hangry! I know that is usually used to describe an angry person who is very hungry. A hangry caregiver gets grumpy and irriatable. They are hungry for many things!
the normal they used to have
friendship and fellowship with others
assistance with chores
compassion from family members
meals someone else prepared
peaceful sleep
time to enjoy a hobby
hope that life will become easier
People can help with most of this list. Neighbors may offer assistance. Other family members may offer to provide care. Not eveything on this list will be met by people. These unmet needs have to be turned over to God.
Personally I remember times that I had to stuff pain, resentment, anger and grief aside to function. Imagine a large box that was packed to the brim. Then I would have to tearfully dump that box at the feet of Jesus. He would wipe away my anger. Comfort my pain and strengthen me to pick myself up and keep going refreshed and renewed. This cycle repeated itself often. I came to realize I could never be a perfect caregiver. I could catch excellence and be a better one.
You too can provide excellent care. Perfection is never going to happen. Look at your failures as learning experiences and improve or adjust your methods. You will find yourself growing in confidence as the journey continues. Be bold and be strong!
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Song for Today
Prayer for Today
Dear God,
Thank you for always having a plan even when I don’t understaand it. Give me the ability to trust you to carry the load when I can’t. Give me answers when I don’t know what to do. I choose to trust you and not myself.
It is a joy to be able to interact with amazing caregivers. They can be young, old and in betweeen. Their time is given freely or they may be paid. The amount of pay is usually not why the job is accepted. It is accepted because they have beauitful caring hearts.
When I ask a man I know how things are going, he almost always responds with a smile. He loves his wife dearly. As the conversation lasts a little longer. He admits that today his wife knew him but on many days she doesn’t. Her lastest thing is to move and hide things so he is always searching for misplaced items.
This morning I spoke with a paid cargiver. She said that during the night the woman she takes care of awoke and cried out because her room was on fire. The caregiver looked around and realized the glowing face of a clock had set off the panic. She turned the clock and reassured her. The lady then asked her to please lay down by her side. With a smile she did just that and the other one fell fast asleep.
I am a part of an organization that has a board consisting of several people who are employed as nurses, social workers, and nursing home administrators. Often I overhear how they have bought food for a family, picked up prescriptions for someone, allowed a visit to turn into much more as they changed a person and helped bath them while there. This world is full of people that know how to love and show love to families that need them.
If you are reading this and feeling like a forgotten person who is overloaded, I get it. Too many times you must bear way more than a light load. You are amazing as well. This job is never easy. There are few rewards other than knowing you are doing your best under trying circumstances. Please know that God is with you. He can give you wisdom, courage and strength to continue to be amazing. He amazes us and enables us to amaze our loved with with compassion and tenderness on the most demanding days.
Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job welldone, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.
Song for Today
Prayer for Today
Dear God,
Shape me and mold me into a better person. Give me compassion and shower my soul with love that you pour into me so I can pass it on to those you have placed in my care.
Alzheimer’s disease erases many memories for the person living with the disease. Memories for family members will live on and be cherished. We have technology now to save voices, laughter, stories and visuals of our family and friends. If you have a family member in the early stages of dementia please use that technology. I left messages on my phone for years just to hear my parents voices.
Even if you do not have Alzheimer’s in your family now, you may someday. Listening to the spousal caregivers talk about what they miss the most is causing me to be more deliberate about making and saving memories that I and my husband can hang on to should one of us be left alone.
I changed phones and lost a video that I treasured. My mom was dancing and laughing with her youngest grandson. Prior to having Alzheimer’s she would never have acted this silly. We all sat watching in awe. We were in awe over the fact that she was truly happy and in the moment with him. I was pondering about how much longer we would be able to hear her laugh.
Years later I watched that same grandson see my dad wiggle his ears. Every grandchild, niece and nephew loved watching dad do this little trick. Dad had been so busy taking care of mom that he hadn’t thought to show this youngest grandchild his ear wiggling. My nephew sat trying his best to master this for himself while dad smiled. Dad passed away one week later.
Don’t put off taking small trips, watching sunsets, sharing hugs and expressing love to each other. Make the most of your time. Life moves at a fast pace and it is way to easy to get caught up in the busyness. My heart hurts when a senior citizen is the sole caregiver for their spouse. They look at me and tell me they cannot ask their children to help. They have their own lives and are busy.
Allow me to speak for these caregivers. Find the time to honor your parents. You are robbing yourself of something you can never get back. You can find time to meet a friend for coffee or attend a sporting event. You can find time for social media. You can find time to check on mom and dad.
“Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” —Michael J. Fox
A huge excuse we often hear is “It’s Complicated”. When someone has Alzheimer’s their life and their caregiver’s life are complicated. Family can find a way to work through all of the complications and help each other survive. Asking God to make a way for you to do life together is a great first start.
Personally, there was a lot of travel and expense involoved during our time as caregivers. I gave up a job. God has abundantly blessed us along the way. It was an honor to be with my parents in their final days.
Caregivers, speak up. Give your children an opportunity to find ways they can help. Give them opportunities to make memories while they can.
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Song for Today
This song refers to when we allow walls to form between us and God.
Prayer for Today
Dear God,
We need you to tear down walls and heal our hearts so that we can share life with those in our family. Show us how to build bridges instead of walls. Draw us closer to each other as we draw closer to you. Teach us to find balance in this life. Give us moments of genuine love as we show compassion and grace to those around us.
Tactile has to do withthe sense of touch. Dipping your hand into cool water is tranquil. Think of your favorite memories involving touch. I have many. One was walking barefoot through a freshly tilled field and digging my toes into the warm soft dirt. Another was sitting on the sofa and rubbing my grandfather’s head. He loved this and would often request it. I loved him too much to ever say I would rather be outside playing. That same love connected us as he lay in a hospital bed and made the same request. I pulled my chair close and wondered how many times will I have left to express my love in his love language.
Alzheimer’s disease often robs people of their fine motor skills. Activities they once enjoyed become a struggle. Opt to put together puzzle with larger pieces rather than small ones. I was able to find puzzles adults can enjoy with a smaller number of pieces and larger size. I avoided puzzles labeled for dementia. The person may still be able to read and feel ashamed or embarrassed. Be sensitive to this please.
Ask them to assist you and assign them simple task that don’t really matter. Let them fold towels and washcloths. Let them match socks. If they get it wrong no harm is done. They still feel needed and productive. Just consider what they can do safely, and ask them to help.
In prepping food let them tear the lettuce for a salad. You chop the veggies and let them arrange them in a salad or platter.
When presenting food, peel their orange before serving it. Just think of what you would serve a toddler. This can be done in a way that preserves their dignity. Prepare your own snack to look like what you serve them.
My mom loved pretty clothes. She struggled with buttons and zippers in the early stages. This ususally happens later for most people. It depends where plaque forms in the brain. We moved to pull on tops and pants without zippers. That was quite an adjustment for her. Thankfully, the local mall had a store that carried a line of beautiful clothing the she liked and it laundered easily. Then one day we had to replace the beautiful clothing with simple gowns that made life easier for caregivers who had to bath and change her.
Another thing you may face is how to handle inappropiate touchs. I was volunteering one day and had a new necklace on. It was a large flower and I was so grateful I had it on. A gentleman approached me with his hands extended toward my chest. I quickly took his hands, moved them to my necklace and asked if he liked it. The nurse who witnessed this action hid a smile but her eyes were dancing. Later she complimented me on my quick thinking.
Physical touch can be accomplished with ease once you observe and find what is comfortable for the person with dementia. I often take hand lotion with me on visits. No one refuses a massage of their hands and fingers as I talk quietly with them and rub the lotion in. Often a hug is appreciated. Hug from the side when possible. Ask if they would like a hug. Remember the above story and be careful! Many times a person with dementia and their caregiver need physical touch to remind them they they are loved.
Ladies love manicures. You never know how much your kindness means.
Touch sensitivity can be lowered. This can make it hard to sense pain or temperature, which can pose potential safety risks. They may not realize how hot or cold an item is. They may not feel pain from a small cut. Pay attention to their skin.
I know a man who refused to shower. His daughter questioned him about why he wasn’t taking a shower. He finally admitted that he could not adjust the water temperature right. The simple solution was for him to ask for assistance in turning the shower on. After showering he could step out and ask for assistance turning the water off. He could have been confused about how to control the shower handles or he could be sensing the water temperature differently than he had before. Sometimes it takes a little investigative work to discover the real problem. Others may refuse to shower because the water hitting their skin feels different.
I cannot discuss touch without mentioning how important spiritual touch is both to the caregiver and the person with dementia. Turning to God is a choice the caregiver makes. Reminding the person with dementia that God loves them is so important. Listen to music, read the Bible together. Pray together. Allow friends and family to be included in these activities.
I read a news article today about what happened to our brains after living through the recent pandemic. Studies have been conducted about this and results are being presented. I just have to share a quote from the study with you.
“But we believe the cumulative stressors of the pandemic — such as prolonged isolation, disrupted routines, reduced physical and cognitive activity, and economic uncertainty — likely contributed to the observed brain changes,” Mohammadi-Nejad
We all know what it is like to experience all of the above for many years at a time as caregivers. How have we even survived? We have shown excellence in beating the odds and have God with us. We must be better equipped than most. ( Not judging…just observing).
Yes, this may sound snarky and uncaring toward those who struggle. I am venting and letting off steam for all of us who have learned to keep going when things are extremely difficult. Life can be very challenging and sometimes the ones who whine the loudest get all of the attention. Most caregivers I know are too busy to whine. We are equipped because we keep striving and learning. We fall on our knees when we are overcome and feel helpless.
Seriously, we do live in a world where isolation, stress, interrupted schedules and chaos can be the normal for many years as the person we care for is losing ground and we live in a state of flux where flexibility is critical. Please know that you are doing incredible things in a challenging situation. I would not wish this burden on anyone. Truly it is the heaviest one I have ever tried to survive. It was only when I chose to see caregiving as an act of love that I could see the positive side. It was only when I admitted that I didn’t have all of the answers that God became my guide in everything.
Our pandemic is known as Alzheimer’s disease. We have no vaccines. We sometimes feel abandoned because people fear the unknown. We do have others caregivers living in our situations. We are not alone! We have God and we have each other.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with oneanother in love.
Song for Today
Prayer for Today
Hello God,
It is me again just taking time to acknowledge you. When life is hard and I continue to press on, give me strength and people to stand with me. I thank you for allowing me to view caregiving as an act of love. You are my counselor, provider and comforter. You are the hope I stand on.
Communication has changed drastically and we still have not developed the skills to use it with effectiveness.
When I was younger we had a home phone that was on a party live. Due to limited resources in rural areas , Bell Southprovide service that connected several homes. Each family was assigned a certain ring. If anyone on the party line was talking, it prevented anyone else from using the line. Then any neighbors on your party line could ease their phone off the hook and ease drop. Gossip spread fast.
Prior to having our own line, my high school sweetheart, who later became my husband, would call and call only to get a busy signal for hours sometimes. When he finally was able to reach me, he would often detect someone picking up and listening. He would usually make weird remarks until they hung up. As I stated earlier, you have so many of avenues of communication now that my party line sounds like an extinct dinosaur. I gladly adjusted to new technology and appreciate the convenience.
This week I recieved a text with an evite attached. A cousin had sent it and asked me to send it to others for her. My phone then started getting texts with questions about the event. My thoughts were, “Hmm, I sent the evite as asked, but obviously no one paid close attention as they scanned one of their large number of text that day.” Had they carefully read the evite they would see I was just the messenger and not the host that could answer their questions.
People have so much communication flowing today that they often miss important details. Can you imagine how full the skies would be if everyone used a carrier pigeon for every text, call, facetime sessions and emails? Oh, I forgot to include instagram, tiktok and others.
Effective communication takes thought. Way too often, we fire off a quick text that gets taken the wrong way. The most effective communication is looking into someone’s eyes and watching their facial expressions. Men can be read easier if you know what to look for. A smile accompanied by tightened jaw muscles betrays their true feelings. Caregivers learn to calm themselves before talking to someone with dementia. We should practice this same hesitation and take time to phrase requests for help in a way that will be recieved correctly.
Caregivers find it neccessary to send invitations to join their caregiving party when overwhelmed. This invitation might be ignored. It might offend someone. It might lack the appeal to tempt some to accept. What would you even say? Let’s give it a try.
Dear Family Who Are Too Busy Too Care,
I am drowning over here. The dishes are piled in the sink. Laundry sits in baskets waiting to be done. The grass needs mowing. Mom has hidden my keys and her glasses today. She has 2 doctor appointments next week. We are nearly out of groceries and I am exhausted.
Would you like to drop by some day to help?
Wrong approach! Do not expect help from this invitation. This approach will not work. Expect criticism on your ability to handle things. Expect judgment about your complaining and whining. When communicating with family and friends, remember you will have to take a deep breath and carefully choose your words. Don’t just hint that you need help. When hints aren’t effective you will end up frustrated. Stating that you need help can make you feel guilty. It is hard to admit that you are struggling. It is hard for family to not get defensive because they feel guilty for not helping more.
After praying for wisdom and seeking God to prepare hearts, attempt an honest conversation with the person you are asking to help. Tell them your concerns and ask for possible solutions. Try something like this.
“Jane, mom has a cadiology appointment next Tuesday at 2 pm. My car needs an oil change and I really would like to get my hair cut. Could you please take mom for me? Even better, I will take mom and let you come for a visit on Friday from 1-4. She would love singing with you and I could schedule a haircut, get the oil changed and bring dinner home for all of us to enjoy. Which might work best for you?
It is alright to share that you are exhausted. Explaining the changes in behavior you are dealing with and a lack of sleep due to your loved one roaming at night might help your family have a clearer understanding of how difficult caregiving is.
Communication is vital for families who have someone with dementia. Find time to meet together. The quote below sums up effective communication.
“You can talk with someone for years, everyday, and still, it won’t mean as much as what you can have when you sit in front of someone, not saying a word, yet you feel that person with your heart, you feel like you have known the person for forever…. connections are made with the heart, not the tongue.” ― C. JoyBell C.
Take a break. Make a list of things you need help with. Decide who can help you. Carefully word your request and doing it over a cup of coffee may help. Choose your timing.
I know you are the one overloaded and should not have to make the request. I have been in your shoes. Don’t hold a grudge against others for not just seeing your need and offering their assistance without the ask. Everyone is wired differently.
Be blessed and pray for God to order the steps of others to come your way. Your most important communication will always be with God.
Word for Today
Moses had been given the task of being a leader over a nation of many. You have been given the task of leading someone on the path of Alzheimer’s and God’s words spoken to Mose can be applied to you.
Exodus 4:12 “Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
Song for Today
Prayer for Today
Dear Heavenly Father,
Here I am again feeling frustrated and exhausted. Forgive me for getting angry and hurt when family and friends abandon me in the task of caregiving. Teach me how to ask for their help. Prepare their hearts to hear my request. Let my communication be spoken with love and not sound like whining and complaining.
Graduating from being a caregiver is much like graduating from high school. The vast difference is you are wiser and well seasoned with life experiences.
When you graduate from high school you leave the close knit group of friends filled with hopes and dreams. A whole new world awaits for you to explore. You are excited and a bit afraid of stepping away from the familiar.
A caregiver has usually had their adventures of youth and is in the midst of following their dreams for the golden years.
Then unexpectedly your world shrank and your dreams were shattered by a disease called Alzheimer’s. Friends slowly faded away and your focus became narrrower and narrower. You found yourself in a new role of supporting someone who once was strong. One long day followed another as both of you adjusted. Sometimes you gave up hobbies and activities. Sometimes happiness was replaced with doubt, loneliness, heartache and confusion. Many days you answered the same question over and over.
You eventually made adjustments. You discovered your strengths you didn’t even know you had. You poured love out knowing the person you loved could feel it, but didn’t have much left to express their love to you. A smile or twinkle in their eye was enough on the rare days this occurred.
I know men and women who gave of themselves for years to their spouses. I am one of those children who had to become the caregiver of my parents even when they no longer recognized me as their child. Then the day comes that you say goodbye. Tears flow and hearts break. The life we have known ends and we are left picking up the pieces of our heart and trying to move on. Clothes and possessions have to be collected and dealt with. Small things trigger the waterfall of emotions. For me, I was cleaning out of my parents house . A guest room had a small bowl of potporri. As I poured it into a trash bag the scent of mulberry overwhelmed me. Mom’s favorite scent hit me hard. My husband came looking for me and held me as I sat down and cried. There is a season of readjusting.
Instead of being a senior in school you are a senior in life. You are dumbfounded in trying to process who am I now and where do I go from here. Finding your new role is not always easy. Take your time and pray about your next steps. Explore nature. Reconnect with friends. Try a new hobby.
Perhaps, a wiser and more mature you still has lots to offer to the younger generation. I thank you for the tremendous and valient effort you put into being a caregiver. You are worthy of being recognized as a hero. Only God knows your heart and only God can heal your pain. You will hear the words “well done my good and faithful servant” one day. While waiting, accept my virtual hug.
We will always remember the years of caregiving and the friends we made along the way. Much like climbers on Mount Everest, we struggled, we became stronger and have earned a rest.
Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.
Song for Today
Prayer for Today
Dear God,
I thank you for the strength, compassion, and tender mercy you poured into my life during the caregiving years. Day by day you gave me the determination to be the best caregiver I could. You comforted me when the days were hard.
Today I ask that you give me opportunites to encourage caregivers around me. Remind them that they are loved and not alone.
In theory these words are awesome. In reality as a caregiver they sound impossible.
I can relate. When I was a long distance caregiver for my mom, there were times that I longed for relaxation and fun. I had just returned from a couple of weeks with my parents. My grandchildren were in the backyard pool splashing and laughing. I longed to join them; however, exhaustion won over and I found myself on the front porch swing with tears flowing. Guilt prevented me from simply telling them that Grandma was not up for their visit and just wanted a good nap. After a few minutes of alone time, I dried the tears. I forced a smile and jumped into the pool with them.
I don’t consider those moments a pity party. I consider them honesty. I desperately needed a few moments of solitude before joining the real party going on at the pool. My little girls had a way of refreshing me with their silly and carefree play. Tension eased and I think their high energy restored mine a bit. I know their hugs refreshed my heart and soul.
We require rest. We have to find ways to relax and then refresh.
Financial and time constraints may prevent spa trips and reading a favorite book. Here are a few simple things all caregivers can do for themselves and with the one they are caring for.
Sniff an orange. Enjoy the citrusy aroma.
Take a walk.
Listen to music
Pet a furry friend
Learning to enjoy simple things rather than longing for bigger things is key to making the days easier to bear. Take a few deep breaths. Remind yourself that God has given you the ability to survive caregiving.
Word for Today
I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Jeremiah 31:25
Song for Today
Dear God,
Sometimes I forget that the rest I need and the refreshing I long for can truly only come from you. Forgive me for trying to push on without turning to you. I come today to simply say I need you each and every day. When I am not able to go on, you carry me and then gently set me down renewed and ready to care for others. With a grateful heart I can go on. Thank you for your faithfulness that is new every day.
