Content starts here
CLOSE ×
Search

At AARP, We’re Passionate About Caregiving

Early this year, I lost my dear mother, Hattie Kane, a modest but blessed and beloved wife and mother. She died of a lengthy illness at the age of 93 after I’d cared for her for eight years, five of them in my home. Largely because of this experience, helping others with their caregiving journey has become a new passion of mine.

At AARP, we say that if you’re not currently a caregiver, you’re likely to be one in the coming years. Are you ready? If not, the best advice I can give is to prepare now.

« Visit AARP Caregiving Resource Center »

Of all the family issues that Americans deal with daily, among the most heartrending is caregiving for a loved one. My mother needed an aide with her at all times and could not be left alone. So, I can certainly relate to how some people, despite their abiding love, may feel isolated — especially since information on this issue can be so scarce.

Across the nation, 42 million people are caring for their parents, sick spouses and loved ones for whom they feel responsible. We call these caregivers the silent army.

It is often difficult to find ways to help people through this journey. But there is hope, as AARP works to connect caregivers to community. In doing this, we’ve found that churches are ideal for establishing the wholesome, loving atmosphere needed to support caregivers.

Lorraine-Wright-and-Mildred-McClenny-300x240



For example, with the help of our AARP North Carolina office, Lorraine Wright of Raleigh has started a caregiving ministry in her church, Watts Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. About seven years ago, Lorraine retired from her job as an accounting professor in order to care for her now 93-year-old mother, Mildred S. McClenny, who has Alzheimer’s.

Visit AARP Black Community »

Recognizing how caregivers need to be cared for, Lorraine started a ministry based on AARP’s Care Buddies system two years ago. The care buddies are people in the church who voluntarily support those members who are caregivers. The ministry also provides information, workshops and encouragement.

In fact, Watts Chapel is one of our newest faith-based partners. Just from the feedback she’s gotten, Lorraine says the new ministry “has been a godsend for a lot of people.”

We in the African American community have a strong tradition of taking people in, taking care of our families and putting their needs first. So, during this National Family Caregivers Month, it’s important for everyone to know that resources exist that offer significant guidance and advice.

Among them are AARP’s Caregivers’ website and our downloadable resource guide, “ Prepare to Care,” which offers good advice. In a nutshell: Start the conversation with family members, and form a team so everyone will know who the caregivers will be and how they will assist. Make a plan based on what is best for you and your loved ones. Then find support. We compile resources and information for caregivers and their families.

Organize and privately share crucial info with family and caregivers — Download AARP’s Caregiving App »

Finally, support a caregiver. Caregiving is work, but it is indeed a labor of love for parents and other loved ones who have given so much.

Photo: Courtesy of Lorraine Wright

AARP helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities, and fights for and equips Americans 50 and older to live their best lives. Discover all the ways AARP can help you, your family and your community at AARP Black Community, and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Also of Interest

 

See the  AARP home page for deals, savings tips, trivia and more

Search AARP Blogs

Related Posts
July 11, 2017 02:09 PM
Are you ready for a new job? Want to start a second career? Or, perhaps get a part-time gig? AARP’s Job Board may be the solution to that question. Earlier this year, AARP launched a tool that allows 50+ jobseekers to identify opportunities that fit their unique skills and experiences. The Job…
June 23, 2017 09:54 AM
Congratulations to the Finalists in AARP's 2nd Annual AAPI Hero Awards Contest! We wanted to hear about the hard-working staff and volunteers who bring their passion and energy to non-profit organizations that serve AAPIs who are 50-plus. We were looking for the people who are the heart and soul of…
June 19, 2017 03:53 PM
On the night of June 19, 1982, 27-year-old Vincent Chin was celebrating his bachelor party with friends in a Detroit strip club. He got into an altercation with two white men, and both groups were thrown out. The two men tracked down Chin with the help of a third man and brutally beat him with a…