Respite Care: Caring for the Caregivers

• People who serve as caregivers do so because they need to, yes, but also because the person they care for is important to them, and is worth their love, their time, their investment of energy and care.
• If the church is providing caregivers, it is important to give support and breaks to each person involved in that process as a way of caring for caregivers.
• Help to organize a “circle of support” or “wraparound” for a caregiver and his or her family.
• Offer care for children with disabilities or other needs during worship so parents can worship in a relaxed setting (ideally, your nursery team will be prepared to accept this responsibility).
• Be available for childcare or to take children of single-parent families on outings.
• Consider the specific tasks that people with disabilities (or their caregivers) face from day to day and find ways to assist with:

Physical tasks: eating differently, dealing with medical staff, using a walker.
Social tasks: overcoming isolation and belonging. One simple action could be to send a card, preferably a blank one that you have personalized with a written message expressing your support.
Psychological tasks: self-esteem, talking about one’s feelings.
Spiritual tasks: faith, hope, meaning for life, connection with God. Avoid any pretense of “knowing why God allowed this.” References to God’s plan or intention are painful in most cases.

• Ask caregivers about what they need and how they would like to be supported.