Dear Friends
Help for Men Who Are Caregivers
Week of September 15, 2014
Prayer Requests
Dear Friends,
In many ways, today's male caregivers are
pioneers, playing a much more active — and sometimes primary — role
in caring for a loved one.
Historically, a wife, daughter or
daughter-in-law was most likely to be the family caregiver. In their
formative years, men weren't necessarily taught how to provide the
kind of help a care-receiver needs. It wasn't expected that they
would learn it or give it.
Now that continues to change. According to a
2009 report by the National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration
with AARP, a third of family caregivers are men.
No doubt, like their female counterparts,
they've quickly discovered caregiving can be one of the most
challenging periods of their lives.
But, at the same time and generally speaking,
it can be different for a man who's helping his spouse, aging
parent, or other loved one. Harder to provide personal assistance,
like bathing or dressing. Harder not to have "the answer" and not to
be able to "just fix" the problem or problems. Harder to admit to
others he's at the end of his rope. Harder to ask for help.
With that in mind, here are a few suggestions
and points to consider if you’re a male caregiver:
--Boot camp, raising kids and surviving for
years in the workplace may seem like walks in the park
compared to what you're doing now.
--Yes, caregiving can be lonely but, no, you
don't have to go it alone. Look into respite care. Even a few hours
a week can make a big difference. Consider what formal and informal
help may be available. (Formal would be a visiting healthcare worker
or adult day center, for example. Informal could be family, friends
and fellow parishioners.)
--You may have never been much of a joiner or
"sharer" (more the loner, tight-lipped Gary Cooper type of fellow),
but you may find a support group very helpful. Some groups are "guys
only." Some focus on a particular issue, such as Alzheimer's disease
or cancer.
--It's OK if there are some things you just
can't do. Maybe it's personal care. You can hire someone to help
with that. Then, too, even if there are things you can do maybe your
time is better spent with your care-receiver. Again, it may mean
hiring someone (for that cooking and cleaning, for example) so you
can spend more time doing something pleasant with your loved one.
--Realize that you may already be grieving.
Because of dementia, Mom or Dad is slipping away. Because of your
wife's illness, the retirement hopes and dreams the two of you had
just aren't going to be possible.
--Do something fun just for you. At first
glance this may seem selfish but it will help you become a better
caregiver. (And, certainly, if you and your care-receiver's roles
were reversed, you’d want that person to take a break and do
something he or she enjoyed.)
--Begin or deepen your spiritual side. Be aware
that, in the midst of it all, the God who asked you to help his
beloved son or daughter is always with you. Always.
This is just one of dozens of topics
available for caregivers at another of our sites:
http://www.catholiccaregivers.com/fliers.html
- - -
This week we're so pleased to welcome Lorraine L. of Kentucky; Marie L., Bernice H. and Joyce C. of Illinois; Russell D. of Connecticut; Ken E., Jeanne Marie G. and Terri C. of Virginia; Alma T. of Texas; Kim W. of Pennsylvania; Gadric F. of Louisiana; and Charlene N. of Canada as the newest members of the Friends of St. John the Caregiver. Please keep them and their intentions in your prayers. They have promised to pray for you and yours.
Again we cordially invite you to join the Friends of St. John the Caregiver! (FSJC's programs include YourAgingParent.com and CatholicCaregivers.com.) You can find out more about becoming a member here.
No meetings, no dues. All we ask is that you pray for caregivers and those receiving care. Our members include caregivers, care-receivers, and those who support both (including quite a few former caregivers).
You can:
sign up on-line here
or call us toll-free at 1-800-392-JOHN (5646)
or
print and mail an application form.
God bless you!
Bill