Do You Want To Help A Caregiver? Here's What They Really Need.

Caregiving Is Hard And Lonely Work. A Little Help Goes A Long Way.

Caregiving is hard, exhausting work. Behind every caregiver is a full plate: managing appointments, medications, therapies, schedules, emotions, and the weight of constant decision-making. If you've ever thought, "I want to help, but I don't know how.", this post is for you.

Often, caregivers don't have the time or energy to ask for help. And sometimes, they're not even sure what they need themselves. That's why a little thoughtfulness and initiative, can make a huge difference in their lives.

"Share one another's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 (NLT)

You don't need to have the "perfect" words, or a fancy casserole. What caregivers often need the most, is someone to show up, not just for a crisis, but in the ordinary days when things are hard and quiet.

Here's what that could look like:

• A text message that says, "I'm thinking of you today, how can I pray for you?"
• Sitting with them while they wait during a hospital stay.
• Offering a hug and a hot drink, without needing a conversation 

"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing."         1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)

It doesn't need to be a big deal, it just needs to be sincere, from the heart.

Offer Tangible, Practical Help

Caregivers are often overwhelmed with daily tasks. Offering general help ("Let me know if you need anything") puts the burden of asking back on them. 

Instead, offer something specific: Try saying:

• "I'm bringing over dinner on Tuesday, do you prefer tacos or pasta?
• "I'm free Saturday to run errands, can I grab groceries or prescriptions for you?"
• "Would it help if I cleaned your kitchen while we chat?

Other Helpful Tasks Might Include Offering To:

• Do laundry, dishes, or light housework
• Watch other children in the home
• Driving to and from appointments
• Do lawn care, trash day, or seasonal decorating
• Dropping off freezer meals or snacks for hospital days.

"Dear Children, let's not merely say that we love each other, let us show the truth by our actions." 1 John 3:18 (NLT) 

Practical help is love in action.

Be Consistent, Not Just Occasional

When a diagnosis is new or a crisis hits, support often comes in a wave, but caregiving is a LONG road, and the hardest days can coe quietly, months, or even years later.

Support that lasts, is support that matters.

TRY:

• Setting a monthly calendar reminder to check in.
• Remembering imposrt dataes like surgery dates, anniversaries and birthdays.
• Offering seasonal help (back to school shopping, Christmas prep, etc.)

"Let us not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." Galations 6:9

Consistency is one of the most powerful ways to say, "You are not forgotten."

Offer Spiritual Encouragement

In addition to the physical and emotional burdens, caregivers also feel spiritual ones ones, too. They often deal with fear, fatigue, and grief. You can encouragae them by reminding them of God's presence in the middle of it all. 

Here are some ideas:

• Text a favorite Bible verse or write one in a card.
• Drop off a faith-based devotional or journal.
• Pray for them, and let them know that you are doing it.
• Invite them into your prayer group or Bible study, (Make sure there is no pressure, their schedule is already overloaded.)

Even a short prayer or encouraging word can bring hope into a weary day,

Be Patient With Their Yes, And Their No

Somtimes caregivers will say "no" to your help. It is not because they don't want help, but because they are depleted, embarrassed, or simply trying to hold it together.

Here is how to support them well:

• Don't take it personally.
• Continue to offfer help without pressure.
• Show grace when plans change last minute, (That's how a caregiver's life is).

"Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other." Romans 12:10 (NLT) 

Be the safe space where they can be honest and human.

You Don't Have To Do Everythig, Just Do Something.

You don't need to fix everythig. You don't need the perfect words. Just showing up with kindness, grace, and faith can change a caregiver's day. or even their week.

If you are a caregiver reading this: go ahead and share this post. Send it to your small group, your family, your friends. Use it as a gentle way to say, "Here's how you can walk with me." And if you're someone who loves a caregiver, thank you for being here. You matter more than you know.

For a printable Caregiver Support Checklist, click here: https://faithlife.us/products/caregiver-support-checklist?utm_source=copyToPasteBoard&utm_medium=product-links&utm_content=web

Even better, you can gift them a monthly membership to The Filling Station: Fuel For Caregivers. It's a brand new membership for caregivers. It includes a full printable Devotional Planner for Caregivers and Medical moms, plus tons of new printables each month for planning, medical forms, and more, plus a private Facebook Community just for caregivers, to find encouragaement and support. Join the waitlist here: 

https://printable-resources-for-caregivers.aweb.page/p/ae84771c-732a-4000-8c79-2b9ac9d0eab0