As a caregiver, you need all the support you can get. You should be turning to friends and family regularly for compassion and support, but what about faith-based organizations? There are endless resources available through churches, synagogues, mosques, and even non-denominational faith centers. Read on if you are interested in learning how to connect with another support system that may help lighten the emotional burden you carry as a cancer caregiver.
It’s been a long-accepted fact that there is a correlation between health and spiritual wellbeing. If you are already a member of a faith community, try asking other members if they have worked with any caregiving services. Your church or place of worship may also offer health ministries that could be helpful to you and to the person you are caring for, and this is worth looking into.
If you aren’t a member of a faith community right now, try asking friends and family members about the community they are a part of and maybe even try attending a meeting or service to see if one is a good fit for you. There are also thousands of volunteer programs that are supported by a variety of congregations. Some programs and services you may consider looking into may offer:
- Day programs
- Emotional support and counseling
- Respite or hospice care
- Educational tools that my help you and other family members
- Financial management and tax preparation services
- Volunteers who may be able to help you with services such as grocery shopping or transportation
- Caregiving services
- Spiritual guidance
If you are interested in enlisting the support of a faith-based community but don’t know where to start, try contacting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Labor, Faith-Based and Community Organization Outreach Guide, or the Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.