After months of falls, hospital visits, and rehab, my father-in-law’s doctor urged him to consider assisted living. My husband and I were living three hours away, and the burden of decisions, appointments, and encouragement had fallen on the shoulders of my brother-in-law and his wife.
When my husband was laid off, we saw an opportunity to make a change. We moved in with my father-in-law to help him take care of himself.
I barely remember now what I expected. I thought he would be thrilled to have us with him to keep him out of the nursing home. Instead, he was unhappy about the loss of privacy and angry about the loss of independence.
We fed him, managed his diabetes care, kept him company, and even made him walk. Within several weeks, he was once again able to go to church, participate in community activities, and joke around with people.
At the same time, it became clear that we were doing more than just helping him take care of himself. He couldn’t–and wouldn’t–take care of himself. Our presence in his home has kept him alive.
But oh, how wearying and wearing it can be! I was blessed with wonderful in-laws, and I am glad we are able to do this for him. At the same time, it can be emotionally and physically exhausting at times.
I knew I would need to support and encouragement of others who understand this experience. I found Christian caregiving sites, and I found general eldercare support. As a Christian, I craved the understanding of others who know that in the mundane details of this work, we encounter the Holy Spirit. As challenges increase, we are invited to grow and become more Christ-like.
Christian Elder Caregiving offers what I was looking for when I began this journey.
Chris
admin@christianeldercaregiver.com