The Stages of Caregiving
Week of May 16, 2022
Prayer Requests
Dear Friends,
This is how one of our topics begins:
It can help to recognize there is no tidy, single, all-encompassing definition for "caregiver."
Rather, it's a job that includes multiple responsibilities which vary not only from family to family, and not only within one family, but within the particular relationship you share with your spouse, aging parent or other loved one.
The caregiver you are today may not be the caregiver you were six months ago because the care your family member needs – the care you need to provide – has changed.
In the same way, the caregiver you are now may not be the caregiver you will be in six months. If your loved one's health improves, you may be less involved. If it worsens, you may be more involved.
Further complicating this, once you and your family member have experienced a particular facet of the relationship and then moved to another, it doesn’t mean you will not return to that first one for a time. Even so, generally, the caregiving role is a progressive one as your loved one's needs increase.
And, again, generally, the role of a caregiver follows a particular pattern which can be identified. In other words, within the spectrum of caregiving, it’s possible to place just about every caregiver, including you . . . today.
These are the stages researchers have identified although -- it’s important to note -- they don’t necessarily follow this sequence.
You can read more here.
You remain in my prayers.
Bill
- - -
This week we're so pleased to welcome Carol M. of Pennsylvania as the newest member of the Friends of St. John the Caregiver. Please keep her and her intentions in your prayers. She has promised to pray for you and yours.
And again this week 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 online here
or call us toll-free at 1-800-392-JOHN (5646)
or print
and mail an application form.
Welcome to YourAgingParent.com
This site is designed for family caregivers..
It's for those who are helping a:
- spouse
- aging parent
- child with special needs
- sibling with special needs
- family member or
- friend.
Here you'll find spirituality, information and resources for
Catholic caregivers.
All our material and resources
are free.
Visit our sister sites:
--Friends
of St. John
the Caregiver
"The Basics
of Catholic Caregiving"
"A Caregiver's Prayer"
The
Friends of St. John the Caregiver was chosen to be part of the
USCCB's
2007-2008
Respect Life Program.
