Take Root and Write

Let’s Talk About Aging - Part 1

 

Our lives are gifts given to us by our all wise and loving Heavenly Father. If you have found yourself here on planet earth, then you are not an accident. You are loved and our Lord knows what you have need of; He has known from the beginning of time. He hand picked our parents for us before the foundation of the world.

Our parents are special and deserve our honor. When we make the effort to honor our parents, we are honoring God as well. Many of us go about our daily business with the watchful eyes of our parents along the sidelines of our lives, always standing in the wings. They are there for us ready to offer their help and guidance well into our middle aged years. For most of us, our parents have always been a source of encouragement and strength.

As the years pass, it may be difficult to notice some of the subtle changes that may be quite apparent as we grow and age because they develop rather slowly. As it applies to these changes, some could signal oncoming health problems. It is rather easy to overlook these signs. Maybe we are so used to leaning on our parents, trusting they will always be there, that we forget they too are perishable. If they are presently in fairly good health we may take this for granted.

Organized Care

It's always nice to be given a new beginning! We have all made mistakes and the prospects of a new year provides an initiative for us to begin anew. As caregivers, we manage our own affairs in addition to that of our loved ones. If we are not organized by nature, things can quickly become lost and in a state of disarray. In order to better equip ourselves to manage adequate care for our loved ones and still look to our own needs, it makes perfect sense to establish a do-able game plan and acquire the means to help us maintain some organization.  

Let us begin by evaluating some key areas when it comes to care-giving. We need to take a close look at our own lives as well as those of our loved ones that we are providing care for. We will start by examining our own lives first. We'll do this by making a list. Title the first column as shown below in the sample, then proceed to list your daily/weekly responsibilities, etc.

My Commitments and Responsibilities Within My Home

1. Meal preparation and planning - Daily
2. Laundry and clothes - Weekly

Continue to list obligations and chores in this fashion.

You will be surprised how much more smoothly your day will unfold when you take the time to write everything down. It's far too easy to forget things when it pertains to ourselves and our own lives in general. We tend to get so caught up in the lives of those we are caring for that we forget we can't do an adequate job of caring if our own lives are out of order.

The Heart of Christmas, Caring for Your Loved One

 What comes to mind when you think upon Christmas?  Does your memory conjure up images of snow, presents under the tree, and lots of good food? I’m sure that it does.  But if you are busy caring for an ill loved one, thoughts of preparing for the Christmas celebrations may cause you to feel stressed and worried.  

You’re probably asking yourself questions such as these; “When will I find extra time to shop for presents, or bake Christmas cookies, not to mention throwing up at least a few decorations?”  I’m here to remind to you today that Christmas shouldn’t produce these feelings of fear and or dread.  If it does we need to remind ourselves that our priorities are somewhat out of alignment.  Lets take a deep breath and slow down for a moment.  Nothing else is more important than our relationship with Christ and that of our loved ones.  If we stress and fret over the many little to-do’s, we inadvertently chip away and lose precious time in these two vital areas of relationship!

Do you remember a certain fad from years ago? The one that most every Christian teen wore around their wrist or on their person in some way shape or form?  I’m sure you do.  It was the WWJD fad.  Do you remember what the acronym stands for?  It cautions the observer to stop and think, “What Would Jesus Do”?  If Jesus were in our shoes,  how would He respond in this given situation?

I still own a long key chain with these letters on it.  I continue to practice asking myself how Jesus would respond in my personal situations.  For a moment, lets stop and think about how the Lord would have us approach the celebration of His birth, particularly as it applies to the responsibility of caring for another.  The greatest gift that we can give to each other is our time, love and patience.  It’s nice that we exchange gifts with one another, and equally nice to have presents under the tree.  But remember God loves those who give out of a happy heart.

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV)

Foods that Heal - Part 3

Have you given more thought and consideration about what to place into your body or that of your loved ones as of late?  What we choose to eat truly makes a big difference on our over health and well being.  In part three of this series I would like to share with you the importance of making time for personal research and also give you some information about some more exceptional foods that heal and uphold good health. 

Do you need more energy to care for your loved ones?  An occasional cup of coffee is fine now and then, but it really is just a quick fix.  In the long run it is wise to obtain our energy from healthy food sources.  Is it difficult for your loved one to digest certain foods?  Don’t despair!  There are many, tasty foods that can be slowly introduced into their diet. I could share on this particular topic for several years, there are so many healthy foods to chose from! Of course I can only cover so many of those foods in this column. That is why it’s important to set aside some time for your own personal food research studies.  You can begin your studies with the various questions that you have! 

For example, the doctor has just changed or adjusted your loved one’s medication. You are concerned about those foods or supplements that may interfere with the medicine’s effectiveness.  At this point I’ve seen people become fearful. They are not sure how or where to find the information that they need and therefore never take the next step to try new foods.  Fear is a crippler and never produces a positive out come. When you become more comfortable doing your own research, fear will be dispelled. 

Foods that Heal - Part 2

Food, that vital part of our daily lives we simply can’t live without!  I’m pretty sure you’re already well aware of that basic tidbit of knowledge.  Not long after we awaken from our nightly slumber, it doesn’t take too long before we begin preparations for breakfast to satisfy our growing hunger.  We eat so often that I’m certain what we put into our bodies is all too quickly taken for granted or very ill planned.  How many times do we eat only to satisfy the craving for food? Do you ever eat with the sole intent to heal your body?  Let’s try to change the way that we look at food. You really are what you eat!

In order to form better eating habits for either ourselves or those that we care for, we really need to change the way we think and how we view food.  I know it’s easier said than done, but remember, the most difficult part when it comes to applying change to any area or aspect of our lives are just those few small steps that it takes to begin! It’s true! The hardest part is just getting our feet wet and implementing the change, in other words “beginning the task!” After we gain momentum it gets easier as habits begin to form and take root!

Here is a very simple example and lesson from my own recent experience on the way we tend to look at things, in this case, food!  My husband, upon returning home from a church function, brought to me a bag of what looked like sweet goodies!  My mouth began to water as I imagined what he would pull out of the bag at any moment to surprise me with! Within seconds I saw what looked like a round bear claw from the donut family.  It seemed to be smothered in a sticky sugary coating sprinkled with nuts, or so I thought. Upon closer examination I found it was a large, round baked roll lightly topped with cheese. This didn’t seem as appealing to me since I’d already taken a bite out of the sticky bun in my imagination, but my husband assured me that I would love it.  I reluctantly tried it and sure enough I found the roll to be delicious!  The lightly cheese topped roll was actually a healthier food than my imaginary sticky bun.  Rolls are normally baked while donuts are deep fried.  The small amount of cheese was also healthier to ingest rather than the sticky sugar.  If we practice the habit of training our minds to evaluate the foods that we plan to eat, these are those first small steps we need to take to begin eating healthier! As caregivers we will benefit and begin to notice that we have more energy and stamina.

Foods that Heal - Part 1

What comes to mind when you think of food?  The first thing that used to enter my mind when it comes to food is primarily a way to satisfy hunger, period!  I wonder how many people still think along those same lines that I used to when it comes down to making healthy choices for what to eat?  I’m afraid that too many people don’t give enough thought and attention to what goes into their bodies.  What we eat and digest affects our bodies in both short term and our overall longevity.  Did you know that by making  wise and informed decisions about what to eat will assuredly help the systems within our bodies to function better? It’s true!  Caregivers and those whom we are caring for need to eat in a way that encourages the healing of our bodies.  We can start to form better eating habits today by taking the time to learn more about foods that heal.

We live in fast pace, changing times.  A lot of what we see advertised on television, newspapers, and in magazines attempt to appeal to our desire to save time and of course money.  But there is a higher price to pay in this area by falling prey to the god of convenience. Chemicals are added to foods to give them longer shelf life. These chemicals place a toxic load on our systems as our bodies attempt to get rid of them and flush them out.

Caring for the Busy Caregiver - Part 3

 
This is part 3 of Caring for the Busy Caregiver. In this last article of the series I’m going to summarize the ten tips I shared in both segments.

Here are the first 5 tips from Part 1:
http://www.takerootandwrite.com/2009/01/caring-for-the-busy-caregiver---part-1.html

1). Make Sure the Lord is #1 on Your Daily “To Do” List!
2). Begin a Daily Journal
3). Get Adequate Rest
4). Eat Right & Don’t Skip Meals
5). Schedule in Some “FUN” Time

Here are the second set of 5 tips from Part 2;
http://www.takerootandwrite.com/2009/02/caring-for-the-busy-caregiver---part-2.html

6). Learn to Forgive Yourself! That's right!
7). Find Someone You Can Trust
8). If You Haven't Already, Begin a Daily Devotional
9). Devote Some Time to Your Favorite Hobby
10). Be a List Keeper

 If you haven’t taken the initiative to incorporate these practices into your own life as you are busy caring for another, please pray and begin with at least steps one and two now. As time moves on you can then apply a few more of these steps, as few or as many as you like.  The purpose of this series is not to overload you or to give you added responsibilities, but these tips are presented with the intention to help lighten your load.  Here are the last set of tips;

Caring for the Busy Caregiver - Part 2

Busy. That word is sometimes an understatement as it applies to one who spends a majority of their time caring for a loved one. You have acquired the "non-stop, auto pilot mode" and only a very small fraction of those gears in the control panel are devoted to you, the caregiver. Let me help you make a few minor, but much needed adjustments to the cock pit. Helping you fly at optimal performance speeds is the goal.  Activating some vital instruments on your flight panel is the objective!

This is part 2 of the 3 part series, Caring for the Busy Caregiver. If you haven't read, Caring for the Busy Caregiver - Part 1, you may want to read there first.  I will be sharing 15 helpful tips total, 5 in each segment.

Here is a quick refresher of the first 5 tips;

1). Make Sure the Lord is #1 on Your Daily “To Do” List!
2). Begin a Daily Journal
3). Get Adequate Rest
4). Eat Right & Don’t Skip Meals
5). Schedule in Some “FUN” Time

I hope that you've already taken some steps to incorporate these habits into your life. It takes at least 30 days to purge an old habit, and likewise, it will also take 30 days to begin a series of new habits. If you've made a start, keep going! You can do it!  Let me point out again that you have undertaken a huge responsibility. In all probability, it is the greatest and most important one of all, "caring for another in their time of need."

Caring for the Busy Caregiver - Part 1

You awaken and begin a new day.  Typically, your very first thoughts are not devoted to the Lord or to yourself, but to the person whom you are giving the care.  You begin to notice that this "morning routine" of yours has become a habit, and the repetitive behavior has caused you to grow tired and weary.  Isn’t it time to start caring for the busy caregiver?  You!

Neglecting your basic needs can very easily develop into a pattern.  It’s a trap that you must not fall into. The realization that you are responsible for the well being and even the very life of your loved one can weigh very heavily upon your shoulders. When your loved one is happy and content, this puts your mind at ease and becomes your constant focus.  But gradually over time, this pattern of neglecting yourself and YOUR needs will begin to take it’s toll on your spiritual and emotional well being.  Your overall physical health and much needed stamina will suffer if you are not caring for yourself.

I am going to share some very practical tips and suggestions to help you refuel and renew your spirit, mind, and body.  I will be sharing 15 tips total.  In Caring for the Busy Caregiver - Parts 1, 2 and 3, I will be sharing 5 helpful tips in each.

If you’ve already discovered yourself in a heap on the floor in auto pilot mode, don’t despair. There will be those times and situations when we just keep pushing ourselves. Eventually we will discover we have run out of steam and the only alternative will be to change those habits of neglecting our own needs. We can refer to this as a “wake-up call” or “learning from our mistakes”, it’s what we all do as humans. We cannot properly care for our loved ones if we end up sick ourselves. So if you are a tired, lonely, worn out, running on empty  caregiver, dust yourself off and pull up a chair!

Aging Gracefully

At some point in time, we will all begin to feel the effects of aging upon our bodies. Last week I was literally rendered immobile by carelessly forgetting to bend at the knees after attempting to pick up a heavy box. I want to age gracefully AND extend grace to the aged because I can see how swiftly life passes us by.

 As I witness the effects of aging in my own life, more and more I think about a time in the future when I will be unable to bounce back as quick, if the Lord wills me to live into my senior years. I  have been considering how I'm going to manage to keep myself healthy and limber! 

Growing old is a fact of life.  As we watch our loved ones age, our grandparents, maybe even our parents (if you are already middle-aged yourself), can stir a variety of emotions.  It grieves me to admit that the norm in our society is to put our elderly "away" in nursing homes and care centers.  There are assisted living facilities that our loved ones may choose to move into on their own accord to maintain some independence if the circumstances are do-able, but most often every earthly possession these elderly saints own are sold or given away  with or without their knowledge or consent not to mention their homes, if they own one.

Caregiving - Do YOU Have What it Takes?

This is the very question I asked of myself on numerous occasions. Can I really care for someone in their time of need? How much time and effort can I devote to caring for a loved one? How can I organize my life in such a way that I can still maintain my own affairs and that of another? You can probably add many more questions to the equation.  In this column, the Caregivers Corner, I will help you find answers to your questions.  It is my desire to encourage you to take on the responsibility of care giving one step at a time.

The prospect of taking care of an ailing or elderly loved one can produce feelings of fear and inadequacy to say the least. There are so many things that must be weighed, considered and prayed over carefully. Before I share my heart with you as a writer for this column,  I want to give you a prelude of my perspective right from the start.

I am living the life of a Christian and have placed my trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. The foundation of this column will be based upon the importance of trusting Him to meet your needs as YOU meet the needs of others. He is the best teacher and counselor throughout all of time and history. If you do not yet know Him, please answer the call today.  If you have already placed your trust in Him, then there is a good chance that you are reading this article today because He has placed a call upon YOUR life to see to the welfare of another. The needs of the person we are caring for will range considerably. The level and degree of care will be based upon age, physical limitations and medical needs.  Some will require minimal care while others will need 24 hour supervision.  If you are recently coming to the realization that the Lord is leading you to care for a friend or family member, there is one important thing you must take into account. When the Lord calls each of us to a task that in OUR eyes seems too impossible to fathom, always remember, HE will see it through to completion and enable you to accomplish His will.

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Hebrews 4:16 NIV

From Parent to Child - When our Roles are Reversed

As I thought about how I would start my first column for Caregiver's Corner, it occurred to me that I should start at the beginning.  As children, we feel that our parents are bigger than life and will be that way forever.  They take care of us in every way.  Even when we strike out on our own as adults, we still depend on them.  We depend on them for advice, strength, courage, and help when we need it.  As we have families, we draw strength and wisdom from them as we start a new home, have children, change careers, etc.  Whether it is a celebration of joy or a challenge that comes our way, our parents always seem to be there for us.  We just never believe that they will some day get old and frail and need us more than we need them.  But they do and for many of us, this is a hard pill to swallow.  All of the sudden we go from being children to being a caregiver for our aging parents. 

This cycle of life comes as such a surprise to us that we tend to put off planning for it.  It seems to be one of those things in life we just do not want to think about.  I have talked with many who are thrown into this very difficult position and almost always, they seem shocked and stunned.  They cannot believe that their parent(s) have gotten older and cannot deal with everyday life anymore without their help.  Suddenly instead of Mom cooking Sunday dinner for you, you are taking food to her and fixing her pill box for the week.  Dad is not helping you around the house with projects and yard work, you are visiting his home and helping him with projects and mowing his yard.  Before you know it, they are totally dependent on you.  In today's busy world, this can be a very difficult position to be in.  But is is our responsibility to see to the safety and well being of our parents and they get older. 

Intro: Caregivers Corner

Pull up a chair and visit for a while.  This column is dedicated to those who are caring for an elderly loved one whether it is in a home care setting or a facility. Caring for an elderly loved one is a stressful and difficult time for a family.  You are overworked, tired, suffer guilt feelings and it can be very frustrating.  My prayer is that this column will offer it's readers valuable information and provide a much needed break!!

By, Cathy Nagle
Column Posted Second Friday of the Month/ Group over at Christian Women Take Root