Do you regularly care for another person who is part of your life? It might be a parent or spouse or another part of your immediate family that lives with you or nearby. Maybe you help someone in a way that takes less of your time, like checking on them often to make sure they are all right. Or it may be that you do certain chores for them on a consistent basis that they cannot handle for themselves. Anyone who looks after the well-being of another person is a caregiver.
Being a caregiver takes sacrifice of your time and energy. There are many who say they could not do it, but mostly it takes a willingness to give of yourself to help another person’s life be easier. Sometimes care giving happens because someone just can’t do for themselves or afford to hire the help they need. Others simply take care of those they love to give them a happier and safer life.
Caregivers are a valuable resource that sometimes can postpone out-of-home placement for individuals who are aging, ill, or have disabilities. It allows people to remain in their own homes by just having the extra help sometimes from a relative or neighbor that cares.
Do you know someone that might benefit from the gift of time and help from you? If you are interested in becoming a caregiver for them, communicate with them about what you are seeing as a need and offer your assistance. It is important to respect their privacy and be dependable if you do end up offering your help in any situation.
My sister and I were caregivers for a few years for both of our parents when they were getting older and needed extra help. They lived with us, but we were fortunate to have siblings who stepped in to help us when we needed to be gone or take a break. Not everyone has that support or encouragement around them.
There is a support group in Murray County that meets just for the very purpose of helping and encouraging anyone who is involved in active care giving. They meet on the third Tuesday afternoon of each month at 2:00 in Slayton at A.C.E. of Southwest Minnesota. They gather in the community room in this Murray County Office building. If you have any questions about this group or any questions or concerns about care giving itself, give Joyce a call at 836-8705.
IF…. you are a caregiver and would appreciate this group, but can’t get away because you have no one to help with your loved one, PLEASE KNOW THERE IS HELP FOR THAT TOO.
There are trained volunteers to come and stay with them! They are prepared to give you a one-three hour break from care giving, and do something for yourself. Everyone who is a caregiver on a daily basis needs some time for themselves just to refresh and refocus. Again, if you would like to take advantage of this kind of help, call 836-8705 at A.C.E. of Murray County.
For those of you who are active caregivers, especially on a daily basis, I urge you to take some time for yourselves. It is important for you to help your own health and well being.
lbeerman68@gmail.com
