Senior Adult Ministry: Who Cares for Caregivers?

Written by Belinda Jolley

How can churches develop ministries for caregivers - the family, friends, and neighbors of the chronically ill or disabled who provide practical aid? Consider the following needs of caregivers. Notice there are ways churches can help with each one!

Caregivers need to renew.

Caregivers need time for physical, emotional, and especially spiritual renewal. A church could start or strengthen the homebound Bible study department. This ministry takes Bible study to homebound adults and their caregiver(s). Consider partnering with community organizations or groups to train volunteers who can provide respite care while a caregiver takes a needed break away from the home.

Caregivers need to avoid isolation.
Many caregivers gradually wean themselves away from their regular network of friends. Churches need to keep caregivers plugged into the life and ministry of the church. Avoid the temptation of not connecting with caregivers because you know why they are absent. Many caregivers find it difficult to pursue their former normal routines and relationships after caregiving ends because they have grown accustomed to being isolated.

Caregivers need to learn what they can.
Caregivers and their families need education on their loved one’s condition and care options. Churches can develop and maintain an up-to-date list of caregiving resources, including books, articles, people, organizations, and Web sites. Many Baptist state conventions provide experts who can help with financial decisions as well as healthcare advance directives.

Caregivers need specific help.
When asked, most caregivers tell church members they are “doing okay” and don’t need help. However, if a specific action plan is in place, most caregivers will accept the offer. Those offering ministry should tell caregivers, “I’d love to visit with (family member) while you go to a doctor appointment (or grocery shopping, or a Sunday School party).” Be sure to set a specific date. If you don’t, they will not likely take you up on your offer. 

Caregivers need help at decision points.
Ministry leaders can avoid passing judgments on caregiving decisions. Caregivers already wrestle with the guilt of making decisions they wish they did not have to make. Instead, offer support related to the difficulty of the decisions being made. Help caregivers identify and locate resources including professionals. Help them recall biblical passages where God helped people endure unpleasant circumstances.

Additionally, ministry leaders can ask questions to encourage further thinking: How long do you think you can continue under that kind of schedule? Have you thought about a backup plan in case you had a sudden illness or accident? Is it possible to try this or other alternatives for a trial period? Can we help you investigate additional options?

Caregivers need to network with others.
Consider starting a support group for caregivers. As the group grows, consider forming small groups based on caregiving duties. For example, you may eventually form a group for adult children caring for aging parents, long-distance caregivers, caregivers of chronically ill children, and so forth. 

Caregivers need your prayers.
Maintain constant contact with caregivers asking how you may pray more specifically for their needs as well as for the person(s) for whom they are caring. Follow up on those prayer needs and become an advocate for helping meet some of those needs. 

Belinda Jolley is an Adult Sunday School teacher at Rock Hill First Baptist Church, Rock Hill, South Carolina, and serves as director of the Adult Ministry Group of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. Belinda and Steve are caregivers for Steve’s mother, who has lived with them since 1985.

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