Q U I C K S C A N

A Myriad of Caregivers
Stress and Burnout
Resources

I'm not the only one living with multiple sclerosis.

My sister Judy is, too, when she picks up some groceries for me while visiting from South Bend. So is my neighbor Whitey, who collects my mail and leaves it outside my door. So are Rosalma and Maria, who help me unload groceries from the back of my van and bring them into the kitchen.

Sometimes my friends Sue and Joanne bring lunch or carryout to work or to my home when the weather is cold and rainy and they don't want me venturing outdoors.

When anyone gets ill, many others are affected. No one lives with a disease in a social or spiritual vacuum. Family, friends and neighbors often rally around those with chronic or mental illness, and help according to their gifts. They are following the Gospel mandate to help their neighbor.

A Myriad of Caregivers

People with health problems might claim that they do not have a "caregiver," but the reality is that actually they probably have several of them!

Most family and friends are specialized caregivers. Our brothers or sisters might drive us to medical appointments while our neighbors pick up milk and bread at the grocery store. Sometimes nephews or nieces take out the trash, climb ladders to change lightbulbs or do light cleaning. Others might sort out insurance forms, pay medical bills or call the doctor's office for clarification on prescriptions or procedures. Some caregivers check up on our daily well-being.

Stress and Burnout

According to the familiar hymn, Jesus said, "Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto me" (see Matthew 25:40). Offering loving service to someone who is ill is a profound component of our Christian value of service.

Caregiving shows the faithfulness that love brings. Giving time to help a sick person offers both the caregiver and the one receiving the care an opportunity to think of and be grateful for the other.

Caregivers, however, are prone to burnout since they devote themselves to care for the ill—unpaid and often at their own expense. Caring for the chronically ill can bring a change in family dynamics, can disrupt households and put a burden on finances. The family lives of everyone concerned are changed, and both the caregiver and the recipient can feel powerlessness, irritability, isolation and despair.

Just say, "Thank you very much!" A simple phone call, a hug or just saying, "Thanks, I appreciate all you do for me," goes a long way. A written note, a flower, some tea or a candy bar given to a faithful caregiver can be a touching gift.

Acknowledging the caregiver is a matter of graciousness and gratitude. It is healthy for both the ill person who steps out beyond self-absorption and the caregiver who is affirmed.

If you have difficulty writing a thank-you note, or getting a card or flower for your caregivers, try this: Show your caregivers this article. They will know you love them and are grateful.

Thanks, Judy and Whitey, Willie and Carol, Rosalma and Maria, Sue and Joanne—and everyone who cares for me!

Sister Karen Zielinski, O.S.F., was director of communications for the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, from 1991 to 2008. She is now director of Canticle Studio, for products which focus on spirituality and health. She can be contacted at whollyhealthy@ AmericanCatholic.org.