EDITOR’S NOTE: This story is part of a series of articles focusing on the worldly challenges Christian families face and how the church can help.
Informal and unpaid caregivers are the backbone of long-term assistance provided at home, for children, parents or spouses. Middle-aged and older adults provide a substantial portion of that care.
Today, many Americans find themselves sandwiched between the enormous tasks of supporting aging parents, raising children and earning a living, while others bear the responsibility of caring for loved ones with a disability, illness or injury, census data shows.
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How Christian caregivers are motivated by God’s love to help others:
- John encourages believers to “love one another” (John 13:34–35).
- Paul urges showing compassion and love for people and to “carry each other’s burdens … .” (Col. 3:12, Gal. 5:13, Gal. 6:2).
- Timothy tells Christians to take care of their families (1 Tim. 5:8).
- In Ephesians 6:2–3 Paul says to “honor your father and mother … .”
- Mark reminds believers that Jesus came to serve and “to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
- Matthew recounts Jesus’ story about ministering to the “least:” “Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me” (Matt. 25:40).
Positive, negative impact
While Christian caregivers lovingly and willingly assist based on their love for Christ, the act of caregiving in America today can positively impact the Christian family — the fulfillment of lovingly caring for another, children learning the meaning of scriptural love through example and their own participation, and a family pulling together to show love to someone in need.
However, caregiving also can bring challenges. The physical toll can make the task of caregiving difficult, if not impossible. Going to doctor appointments, picking up prescriptions, cooking meals, doing laundry, bathing and other tasks demand physical strength — and some 33% of caregivers suffer with a disability themselves, the Centers for Disease Control reported.
When there is little or no support with the responsibilities, caregivers can feel like the Lone Ranger, bearing the full load on their shoulders — an emotional burden that can be overwhelming.
Financial strains come because many have part- or full-time jobs, and often the task of caregiving requires quitting a salaried position or retiring early. The family may face extra expenses like prescriptions, hospital beds, equipment or special diets, and lost income due to family caregiving in the U.S. today is estimated to cost $522 billion each year, hhs.gov reported.
Spending a lot of time in a caregiving role can make the caregiver feel isolated from others — unable to attend church or other activities, which can result in suffering spiritually, with no time for personal worship and devotions.
In keeping up with the demands of caring for another person, today’s caregivers may allow their own health to decline — the CDC noted nearly 41 % of caregivers themselves have two or more chronic diseases, and the rate increases to 53.4% among caregivers over 65.
Families often suffer when caregivers must reorganize their lives and time for loved ones. The average caregiver — a woman in her late 40s — may have a spouse, teenagers or grandchildren who also need her. They may sacrifice time spent with her, financial security if she must quit her job, as well as her direct involvement in their lives. Older children might need to take on additional responsibilities of home life, bringing feelings of resentment and impacting academic performance and social life.
How can the church help?
The Christian caregiver often can feel like an invisible member of the congregation, unable to participate in church life or attend worship.
The church can show love and help the caregiver in numerous ways:
- Pray for and with them and for the loved ones they care for.
- Remember caregivers with notes, cards, emails, calls and encouraging messages.
- Offer pastoral counseling to help caregivers deal with stress and other emotional burdens.
- Recruit church members to volunteer their time, providing temporary relief and allowing caregivers an opportunity to rest and recharge.
- Encourage them to take care of their own health, keeping medical appointments, eating properly and getting sufficient sleep.
- Provide financial assistance.
- Organize meal delivery either with church members or food delivered from local restaurants.
- Provide supplies — medical equipment, hygiene products, groceries.
- Make a list of resources that provide help, practical services and help them make contact.
- Teach church leaders and members how to minister to caregivers in the church and community.
- Invite special speakers to give seminars on related topics like stress management.
By doing these and other things, pastors, church leaders and members can provide meaningful support to caregivers, helping them know they are valued, supported and loved.
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