Hospitality in Action Hospitality in Action

How to Minister to Caregivers How to Minister to Caregivers

Encouragethem

Call them and let them know you are praying for them and you recognize how exhausted they are. Listen to them talk without interrupting with your own war stories. They need to be heard. Acknowledge their amazing efforts to care for their loved one. Commit to pray for them for two weeks daily and send an encouraging note or text.

Feedthem

Organize a group of friends to provide meals that the caregiver and family can easily heat up Often times when you ask a super-hero family caregiver if you can bring by meals, they will decline, as they seldom recognize their own stress or exhaustion. Instead, just let them know you will be dropping by some meals this week that can easily be put in the freezer and used on days that they need it, giving them more time to rest. Be sure and ask about diet restrictions or allergies. No need to feel pressure to make these meals from scratch, take-out orders from their favorite restaurants are also a welcomed help.

Relievethem

Many family caregivers are not able to leave their house because the caregiving seems constant. However, in order to help with burnout, family caregivers need to get away and have some time to themselves. Offer to come into the home and sit with their loved one for a few hours while they get a massage or manicure, play golf, go shopping, or just do something that feels normal. (Go an extra mile by providing a gift card for that massage, manicure or round of golf!)

And now, a note to all of you amazing family caregivers: We see you. We know how much you love to serve others and you do an incredible job!

But, everyone needs a break from caregiving once in a while. When your friend, neighbor, or pastor calls with offers to help… say ‘Yes!’ The Lord provides through His people and this is His way of making His close presence known to you. Saying “Yes” to help today will bring rest, peace, and strength for tomorrow.

Hospitality House of Tulsa’s Community Connection program facilitates caregiver support for families returning after a hospitalization away from home.

If your church would like to support families in medical crisis, contact Hospitality House of Tulsa at 918-794-0088 ext. 201 or go to HHTulsa.org and click "Get Involved."

President and CEO, Toni Moore, was invited to speak to a variety of groups including the Broken Arrow Masons, Christ Presbyterian Church, and Harvard Ave Christian Church.

She enjoys sharing her story, the mission of Hospitality House of Tulsa, and God’s faithfulness through it all.

If you would like to invite Toni to speak to your Church group, community group, or club, please contact her Administrative Coordinator Samantha Burks at sburks@hhtulsa.org or 918-794-0088 ext. 207.