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Spirituality
Many caregivers credit their faith or spirituality for enabling them to
cope with the stress of caregiving. DC caregivers talk about the role faith or
spirituality plays in their lives.
- I don't go to church as often as I used to. It makes me sad because I was
very active in church. But it's a day's work trying to get my mother and
myself ready for church, so I got accustomed to not going.
- I use the time my mother is in church to clean the house and catch up on
my sleep.
- I don't go to church anymore. I pray here at home.
- My cousin calls to pray with me and my wife over the telephone. Other family
and friends also come by often to visit and pray with us.
- My wife and I were regulars at our church. Our faith is the source of our
strength today. I don't go as often as I used to, but I do go every Sunday.
I'm also active in a church group that meets at my house because the
members know I can't get out at night.
- I go to church every Sunday for at least one service. I miss going to Bible
study. My faith in God keeps me going every day.
 
Practical Tips: Here are some comments from DC caregivers on coping.
- Pray.
- Remember you are not alone.
- Look at caregiving as a ministry.
- Talk with a clergy person.
- If you or the elder can no longer go out to religious services, find a place of worship that will make home visitations.
- Trust in God.
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Part of the Senior Service Network Supported by the D.C. Office on Aging