Caring Hearts

Caring Hearts

Mission Statement:
Caring Hearts will offer Christ-centered personal and confidential comfort and support to caregivers and the
bereaved at St. Paul congregation, with further outreach into other areas of congregational and community care
needs.

For more information,
please contact Suzanne Toth at
caringhearts stpaulchuckery.com

UPCOMING EVENTS
March - Next meeting

Praise be to the God
and Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of
compassion and the
God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all
our troubles, so that
we can comfort
those in any trouble
with the comfort we
ourselves have
received from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
"Journeying through Grief" packet
www.stephenministries.org

"Beyond the Sorrow" book
www.tammytrent.com

CareNotes
www.carenotes.com

Project Connect booklets
Lutheran Hour Ministries
www.lhm.org
1-800-944-3450

*All meetings are held at 7pm
on the first Monday
of every other month.
We welcome you to join us.*

Someone Who Cares
By Steve Siler

So often I¹ve thought of me
Putting myself first so selfishly
Looking through eyes that only saw my point of view
And not you

Then someone reached out to me
When I needed compassion desperately
I saw the truth and suddenly knew that
You need me to be

Someone who cares
Someone whose willing to stand tall
when the rain falls
Someone who cares
Someone whose there for the long haul
An answer to just one prayer
Help me to be
Someone who cares

I want to have your heart
When somebody else¹s breaks apart
Ready to serve
Letting your word lead the way
Every day

Someone who cares
Someone whose willing to stand tall
when the rain falls
Someone who cares
Someone whose there for the long haul
An answer to just one prayer
Help me to be
Someone who cares

http://someonecaresonline.com/Movie/

People taking on the role of family caregiver often find themselves in unexpected and unfamiliar situations. Many are
thrust into the caregiver role as a result of a crisis situation. Others may start by providing occasional assistance and
find their involvement increases over time.

It is important for family members to recognize themselves as caregivers, as then they are more likely to seek
information and reach out for support and direction.

A primary purpose of a Caregiver is to provide TLC. In addition to “Tender Loving Care,” it is equally important to
recognize the importance of Touch, Listen and Coach.
•        TOUCH—When words cannot express your feelings or concerns, the best thing may simply be to put your arm
around a loved one or hold his or her hand.
•        LISTEN—We all know the saying that people have two ears and only one mouth for a purpose. Let your loved
one express his or her feelings and fears. Avoid the tendency to take charge and attempt to ‘fix it.’
•        COACH—Caregivers are encouraged to offer perspectives and encouragement to help a care recipient
determine what might be the best.

The process of providing assistance and encouragement to an aging or ill family member can be challenging.
Remember that it is often easier for people to give than receive. Also, good intentions are not always recognized.
Encourage your loved one to accept the support he or she needs and not to feel ashamed or embarrassed.

Whether your loved one faces physical limitations or cognitive impairment, make sure to reinforce “It’s Okay” and that
you are happy to help. Also don’t hesitate to offer suggestions and coaching to help minimize struggles or avoid
negative situations.

Caring for a loved one can be an extremely rewarding experience; however, at times it can be overwhelming,
exhausting and depressing. There are no short cuts or easy answers, and every day is a new adventure.

Family members may be eager to provide care and support for a parent or spouse, however, reaching agreements
about the giving and receiving of care can be challenging.

Many older adults have been self-sufficient all their lives and find it hard to accept support. For many people it is
easier to ignore the facts or be in denial. Keep in mind that receiving also requires someone to accept that help may
be needed. (Something many people would prefer to do.)

Loved one’s may also be scared or anxious about diminishing mental and physical abilities, be concerned about
being a burden to family, fear loneliness, or be fearful of dying.

Everyone has a need to feel wanted, useful, loved and appreciated. People long to be significant in the lives of others.
When we feel unwanted or unimportant, we may act as if it does not matter, but feel broken apart on the inside. The
pain of rejection can shatter the core of our identity and being.

Whether you are a caregiver or a care recipient, realize that people generally have good intentions and try to do their
best. It is often how intentions are communicated or demonstrated that can be challenging.

Here’s some advice:
      1.        Be honest and appropriately straight-forward.
      2.        Ensure the care recipient’s safety, and the safety of others.
                      Also, realize your goal of safety may be opposite to your parent’s goal of independence.
      3.        If you have siblings, seek agreement on the issues and roles.
      4.        Talk to your aging parent in a non-threatening manner.
      5.        Do not try to force change overnight. Take your time and accept small victories.

St. Paul Lutheran Church

What is My Purpose as a Caregiver?

Annetta Dellinger(l) recently
presented Patty Boerger(r) with the
very first "Blanket of Love".