Mature Living Magazine Sample - January 2017

Page 42

LEGACY LIVING

Take Care by DANNY HEDGEPETH

Strength to Serve Grow spiritually while serving as a family caregiver.

42

Mature Living / JANUARY 2017

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HERE’S A group of people whose numbers are growing. They are family caregivers. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, 65.7 million people in the United States identify themselves as family caregivers. Conservative estimates are that one in every five households in our country has someone who is giving care to another family member over age 18. Family caregivers experience many blessings. Memories of sharing a laugh at a silly moment or crying together during a painful experience will last a lifetime. Some gain a new level of spiritual intimacy with the Lord while serving as a caregiver. However, a large number of family caregivers suffer spiritually. The demands of caring for a family member often keep them from church. They feel left out of the Sunday School fellowships and home Bible studies. Family caregivers often believe that no one understands the demands being placed on their lives. Resentment and sometimes


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