Love is not measured by what we say, but by what we do.
Four and one half million adults in the United States have provided unpaid care to an adult or child in the past year. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 21 percent of households have members who require the caring attentiveness of others. The impact of the work done by Caregivers adds up to an economic value of over $450 billion dollars per year. Many care receivers are able to maintain their independence and remain part of their communities because of caregiving.
Caregiving is not an easy task - it is demanding, challenging, gut-wrenching, exhausting and rewarding. Sometimes it seems what is needed to be successful is the patience of Job, the wisdom of Solomon and the virtue of St. Teresa of Calcutta.
As a caregiver you are a loving, giving, courageous person. You are one who answers the needs of your loved one. Rest assured your life is better and blessed for your efforts. I like to believe that caregiving is an opportunity to understand, to grow closer, to forgive, to remember, to share, and to validate life’s relationships.
Success relies on prayer and the willingness to share the burden. Involve your family, your parish family and community. All have resources available to help you.
Caregiving should never be a solo activity, when you invite others to participate you are offering them the opportunity to be an active participant in God’s loving touch. Don’t hesitate to ask! Caregiving is important work, one worthy of support from family friends and faith communities.
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Catholic Charities Indianapolis sponsors monthly caregiver support groups for family members/friends who are caregivers of older adults. Meetings are open to the community and are a way for adult caregivers to share and learn from each other. Please confirm attendance and for additional information, contact Monica Woodsworth at 261-3378 or mwoodsworth@archindy.org.
Northside:
Date: Thursday December 15 2016, 5:30 – 7 pm. ONE WEEK EARLY DUE TO CHRISTMAS.
Location: St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 4610 N Illinois Street 46208
Topic: open discussion
Southside:
Date: Monday December 12 2016, 5:30 – 7 pm. ONE WEEK EARLY DUE TO CHRISTMAS.
Location: St. Mark Catholic School, 541 E Edgewood Avenue 46227
Topic: open discussion
Dec 17, 2016: Free caregiver social event. Attend with your loved one or on your own. Mind-Body-Soul Connection hosts these events throughout the year in different areas of the city. Details here.
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