Resources for Seniors and Caregivers
The Value of Caregivers
The “value” of a person or his contribution to society is often determined by popular opinion in American culture. A high pay-scale range or prestige may be the most commonly sought after characteristics in our society. Caregiving is not often heard on the “Top 10 List of Things I Want to Do Next Year.” We don’t make plans to become caregivers, or add it to our list of goals. It’s just something that happens that requires attention and action.
In Scripture we read in John 15:13 that “Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Does that mean that he dies for his friend? It may, but I believe there is a much larger, richer meaning. It can also mean that he gives up himself (his plans, his job, his financial security, his recreation, and oftentimes his own health) for the benefit of another. That’s the unpaid, unrecognized, unappreciated position of a caregiver.
There are thousands of people in the role of caregiver across our country right now, but because of the “gray tsunami” that’s bearing down on us, that situation will obviously be changing very quickly in the coming years. We need to be prepared. We need to be educated about the needs of the aging population, and have ideas and resources in place to meet those needs. We need to have resources for the caregivers as well.
There are three types of people to consider in this conversation: those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers. Most people will fall into one of those three categories at some point in time.
How do we better prepare ourselves for this reality? One way is to plan ahead. We can’t be prepared for everything, but we can be prepared for some things. We can engage in conversation with our families or friends about our end of life wishes. We can make plans for financial, legal, and family needs and update that information every year as needed. We can look into resources that are available to meet the needs of people who we know are struggling with caregiving concerns, and share that information with them. We can offer an ear to listen and a hand whenever possible.
It’s time to recognize that caregiving is a service that none of us can do without. There aren’t enough hospitals, rehab facilities, and nursing homes to meet the needs that people have. We need to learn to work together and pool our resources to be more effective in meeting those needs. What are we doing right now to become a part of the solution? This is truly one boat we are all in together. Let’s take out the paddles and go.
The “value” of a person or his contribution to society is often determined by popular opinion in American culture. A high pay-scale range or prestige may be the most commonly sought after characteristics in our society. Caregiving is not often heard on the “Top 10 List of Things I Want to Do Next Year.” We don’t make plans to become caregivers, or add it to our list of goals. It’s just something that happens that requires attention and action.
In Scripture we read in John 15:13 that “Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Does that mean that he dies for his friend? It may, but I believe there is a much larger, richer meaning. It can also mean that he gives up himself (his plans, his job, his financial security, his recreation, and oftentimes his own health) for the benefit of another. That’s the unpaid, unrecognized, unappreciated position of a caregiver.
There are thousands of people in the role of caregiver across our country right now, but because of the “gray tsunami” that’s bearing down on us, that situation will obviously be changing very quickly in the coming years. We need to be prepared. We need to be educated about the needs of the aging population, and have ideas and resources in place to meet those needs. We need to have resources for the caregivers as well.
There are three types of people to consider in this conversation: those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers. Most people will fall into one of those three categories at some point in time.
How do we better prepare ourselves for this reality? One way is to plan ahead. We can’t be prepared for everything, but we can be prepared for some things. We can engage in conversation with our families or friends about our end of life wishes. We can make plans for financial, legal, and family needs and update that information every year as needed. We can look into resources that are available to meet the needs of people who we know are struggling with caregiving concerns, and share that information with them. We can offer an ear to listen and a hand whenever possible.
It’s time to recognize that caregiving is a service that none of us can do without. There aren’t enough hospitals, rehab facilities, and nursing homes to meet the needs that people have. We need to learn to work together and pool our resources to be more effective in meeting those needs. What are we doing right now to become a part of the solution? This is truly one boat we are all in together. Let’s take out the paddles and go.