Beloved St. John, from the cross Jesus entrusted to you the care of His Blessed Mother. Help me and all those taking care of a loved one who is sick, elderly, disabled or frail. Pray for us, that as we go about our many caregiving duties, we may never lose sight of that truth which Christ revealed to His disciples: "Whatever you did for one of these, you did for Me." Amen.    

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In the Book of Matthew we read…Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light. MATTHEW 11:28-30 Loving Father you are the HEALER OF SOULS AND COMFORTER OF THE WEARY, HELP TO LIGHTEN THE BURDEN OF all of us who are caring for physically and mentally ill loved ones. Accompany us on the tumultuous journey and ease the anxiety and fear that has become part of our everyday lives, as a caregiver. Surround us with the love and strength of ...

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"When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple there whom He loved, He said to His mother, 'Woman, behold your son. Then He said to the disciple,'Behold, your mother.' And from that hour the disciple took her into his home."--John 19:26-27

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It’s become common to incorrectly use the term Alzheimer’s to describe all kinds of dementia. Dementia is the loss of memory and the ability to think, to solve problems, and to use reason. It affects memory, intelligence, judgment, language, and behavior. There are a number of subcategories under this broad term, including Alzheimer’s, multi-infarct dementia (which is stroke-related), senile dementia, and alcohol-related dementia. Historically, all the types of dementia were called “senility.” An older person with some form of dementia “became senile.” Certainly your carerece...

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If your loved one is suffering from depression—and is not just “down in the dumps” for a while—he or she can’t “will it” away. Your care-receiver can’t simply decide, “I’m not going to be depressed anymore.” Research shows that depression often has a physiological and emotional basis and is treatable. Then, too, with all your responsibilities, you yourself might be vulnerable to depression. Among the commonly accepted signs of depression are: A persistently sad, anxious, or empty mood Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, and apathy Feelings of w...

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A Caregiver's Prayer for an Aging Parent Heavenly Father, help me better understand and believe I can do what you ask me to do. Forgive me for the times, even now, when I question your judgment. As I go about the many daily tasks of caregiving, give me energy. As I watch my loved one oh-so-slowly walk across the room, give me strength. As I answer his/her repeated question just one more time, give me patience. As I look for solutions to whatever is the most recent concern, give me wisdom. As I reminisce with him/her about the “good old days,” give me a moment of laughter. As I get to kn...

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by Barry J. Jacobs, AARP, January 9, 2017 As a 24/7 caregiver for her mother, my 52-year-old patient — I'll call her Becca — gets little rest. At night, lying on the couch next to her mother's hospital bed, she is jolted awake by her mom's frequent cries of pain and confused conversation with people who aren't there. During the day, she catnaps fitfully in the chair next to her mother's recliner as the TV blares. Becca jokes that the bags under her eyes have bags. What's worse is that her health is being jeopardized by chronic sleep deprivation. She has gained weight, and her blood...

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by Lynnette K-Cox, AARP Are you worried about your parents' diminishing physical capabilities or your daughter's plans to pay for her child's college education? Is one of your relatives going through an especially difficult financial period? As you get together with your adult children and aging parents to enjoy home-cooked meals or celebrate your family's holiday traditions, use the following five tips to help you discuss difficult financial issues. 1. Get the timing right The holidays are stressful enough, so just because your children or parents are visiting doesn't mean you should spring fi...

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