There are currently over 16 million people in the US providing care to a person with dementia. While caregiving can be very rewarding, many caregivers also experience a significant amount of stress, and struggle to find meaning in their role as a caregiver.
Caregiving can be both an opportunity and a burden. It’s often a long journey with no end in sight. Few people face more daily challenges or overcome more obstacles than caregivers. During the COVID pandemic, the challenges of caregiving have been exacerbated for many who receive care and those who provide it.
by Pat Brandenstein I recently visited a local store to purchase Halloween candy. And to what to my wandering eyes
The legendary late great pitcher Satchel Paige is credited with asking, “How old would you be if you didn’t know
This week I had the privilege to celebrate the life of a good friend, Cornelia Frank. She was 101 years old and was one of the first persons I met when I moved to Winchester 20 years ago. It is difficult moving into a small town and getting acquainted after you have retired. Everyone has their circle of friends. However, the first Sunday I attended Winchester First United Methodist Church, Cornelia came up to me, introduced herself, and invited me to deliver Meals on Wheels with her. I was her co-pilot delivering some 10 meals together each week.
Grandparents play significant roles in families and there is an ever-increasing number of grandparents who are primary caregivers or raising grandchildren. According to Generations United, approximately 2.7 million children in the U.S. live in grandfamilies or kinship families — families in which grandparents, other adult family members, or close family friends are raising children — with no parents in the home.
Funded by the Golden Cross Foundation, two videos from Alzheimer’s Tennessee can help adult Sunday school classes and other groups start or continue conversations about Alzheimer’s Disease.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15. It’s a day set aside to raise awareness and to better understand the abuse and exploitation older adults may experience. Although elder abuse is a tough topic, it’s certainly one that deserves our attention. Abuse and exploitation against older adults can happen in many different ways. For example, financial exploitation can occur in the form of scams targeting older adults or stolen identity to access banking information. Neglect can stem from caregivers denying basic necessities like assistance with hygiene, nutritious food, medications, or safety.
In my lifetime I have had to move several times. Moving is hard. While the physical labor is hard, I believe the emotional pain is even harder. And the hardest for me was the loss of dear friendships due to miles of separation. Some widows lose 75 percent of their friendships after their spouse’s death. The loss of your best friend and companion can be overwhelming. Add to that the loss of friends, and it can be devastating.
As the pandemic continues, so do concerns about older adults and their mental and emotional health. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and it’s a good time to shine a light on issues and resources for older adults and their families and caregivers.
The ENCORE Ministry Foundation provided a grant to First United Methodist in Columbia, Tennessee, to help fund their feeding ministry, the People’s Table. Since 2004, the People’s Table ministry serves meals to neighbors in need every Tuesday evening and Friday afternoon, providing nourishment, love, and hope to the homeless, elderly, families, and individuals struggling to make ends meet. However, the need in the community is growing. With the closure of a local battery plant and reductions in SNAP benefits, more families are facing food insecurity.
Together, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus, feeding the hungry, caring for the vulnerable, and showing love to those who need it most. Every dollar you give to the Kent and Ellen McNish Fund for Older Adult Food Security helps feeding ministries stretch resources and serve more meals to those in need. Donate today and help support life-changing feeding ministries like the People’s Table.
