While friends and family rally to the side of a suffering person, often the caregiver's needs are overlooked. Have you taken care of someone who is ill for a long time? Then you know how much strength and fortitude it takes. It requires an enormous amount of energy to simply attend to a loved one in a nursing home or hospital. Ask anyone at Atonement who was or is a caregiver. They would tell you they wouldn't have it any other way, but may admit to being tired!

Caregivers need to take care of themselves by paying attention to their nutrition, rest and playtime. Playtime can consist of lunch with a friend, an exercise class, uninterrupted reading of a book, a day of shopping or some other activity which does not involve the person for whom they are caring. Friends of caregivers can offer to take them out, help them by sitting with their loved one while they get away, provide meals, run errands and, of course, pray for them. This will help to support the caregiver.

Someone who spends long hours with their loved one in the hospital would enjoy a small "goodie bag" of convenience items. This bag could include: hand cream, lip balm, tissues, water, fresh fruit, protein bar or other non-perishable snacks, magazine and hand sanitizer.

If you or someone you know could use helpful tips on caring for a loved one, please call Nicki or Kristen at the parish nurse office for more information at (314) 837-1090.