A Caregiving Plan: What Are My Options?

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A Caregiving Plan: What Are My Options?

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Monday, April 24, 2017

Today's Scripture

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5–6 NLT)

Thoughts for Today

If you are caring for an aging loved one (or one who is sick or disabled), you most likely find yourself looking for some answers. Today’s world offers more alternatives than ever before. This week we will look at two major areas of concern: living environment and care choices.

You may be dealing with questions like these:

  • I don’t believe my dad is safe to drive, but he won’t admit it. I’m concerned that my dad, an innocent pedestrian, or another driver might be injured, but what can I do?
  • On my last visit with my parents, I could see they were not functioning well on their own. They seem to be getting their medications confused. Mom even left the stove burner on and forgot about it. They won’t move, and I live too far away to help much. What are my options?
  • My mom is still living alone. Her health is declining, and she has been diagnosed with dementia. She really should not be left alone, but I need to continue working full time. What are my alternatives for providing care for her?

This week we will briefly address two of these areas of concern:

Living environment: a place where a person physically lives. Some living environments include care as part of the arrangement (for example, assisted living facilities and nursing care centers).

Care options: programs and services that help people with day-to-day needs. Care can be provided in various living environments including a private residence, home healthcare, retirement community, hospital, rehabilitation center, or nursing home. 

Consider this … 

Help is available. Research sources of community and medical help. Get input from another caregiver. If your loved one is competent, explore alternatives with him or her and, of course, with other family members.

Above all, seek God’s guidance. He cares. We all need his wisdom and guidance. Read today’s scripture again. Don’t try to make these decisions on your own. Trust him. Seek his will . . . and he will guide you. 

Prayer

Lord, I am facing some major decisions concerning my loved one. I can’t do this on my own. Please show me what to do. In Jesus’ name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …


Caregiving: Caring for Aging Parents by Charles Puchta. The purpose of this curriculum is to provide hope and direction to those concerned about the health and well-being of aging parents or an ill spouse or relative. We address predominate issues most families face. Each session is designed to discuss a specific area of concern such as the purpose of a caregiver or end-of-life planning. It will become clear to participants that the Bible provides encouragement and direction to help them through this caregiving journey. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a study for individuals or couples.

We hope these devotions are a blessing to you and to others in your life. We are happy to provide them for you at no cost, but thought you might want to consider a donation to help our ministry with the expense involved. You can safely donate through our website . Thank you!

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