Supporting Caregivers in Our Communities

When someone is caring for a person approaching the end of life, they need support. But the people offering that support need some understanding, too. What is happening? What does the caregiver need? What can I do that will actually help?

I’ve seen in my decades at the bedside of the dying that end of life education isn’t just for the primary caregiver. It is also for the people who walk beside them.

By Your Side is a 72-page, large-print guide I wrote for non-professional caregivers caring for their special person at home. Taking care of someone as the end of life approaches is different from caring for someone who is going to get better. BUT most of us don’t know that. And that lack of knowledge can affect the care we give.

Since its publication, I’ve learned that being a caregiver’s guide is not the only way this book can be helpful. People who support primary caregivers can also benefit from having a foundation in understanding the dying process, end of life care, and how to support others.

I recently had a hospice order 50 copies. Why? To use as part of their volunteer training. When I heard that, I thought, “Of course!” Hospice volunteers are supporting caregivers and families. Having the same basic understanding of end of life care gives them a foundation for offering that support.

That hospice order got me thinking about all the other people in our communities who support caregivers as the end of life approaches. Churches have support groups and Stephen Ministries. Civic and community groups offer support in many different ways. These caring people can benefit from the knowledge in By Your Side, not only for themselves, but for the caregivers and families they are helping.

You don’t have to be the person providing the hands-on care to benefit from understanding end of life. If you are supporting a caregiver, sitting with a family, bringing a meal, making a phone call, or simply being present, a little knowledge can help you know what to say, what to do, and how to be helpful. Knowledge reduces fear, not only for the caregiver, but for all of us who walk beside them.

Something more... about supporting caregivers in our communities

By Your Side: A Guide for Caring for the Dying at Home was written for family caregivers, but I’ve come to see how helpful it can be for anyone supporting them. Whether you are a hospice volunteer, part of a church or community group, or simply helping someone you care about, understanding what happens as end of life approaches can help you know how to support both the caregiver and the person who is dying.