What are some common fears of care recipients? Researching this topic reveals three fears that are frequently mentioned: fear of being a burden; fear of losing control of one\u2019s life; and fear of death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is important to note that some fears are healthy. Noticing an unusual change in a mole may scare you into making an appointment with a dermatologist. Studying current COVID statistics may convince you to take one or more vaccinations (or not). Riding in a car with an elderly family member who repeatedly runs off the road may alert you to the need to take away the keys. Yes, a healthy fear can lead you to take positive steps. But some fears, when not addressed, can steal our peace of mind and make us a prisoner. It can fill us with dread \u2013 instead of anticipation \u2013 of the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stephen Curtis Chapman wrote the song At the Feet of Jesus<\/em>, which includes these words: \u201cSo I will lay down my struggles, I will lay down my shame…all the fear I drag around through this life like a ball and chain.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a caregiver, how can we help address these common fears?<\/p>\n\n\n\n The fear of being a burden is a common reason patients give for choosing physician-assisted suicide in states where it is legal. It is interesting that many of these patients did not consider caring for someone else a burden; but when the roles were reversed, some chose to die rather than encumber a family member. Although I have talked to people who considered their role as caregiver a burden, many more consider it a privilege and a blessing. It is important to show our loved ones, through our words and actions, that we choose to take care of them. If you are caring for a parent, remind your mom or dad of the love and care they gave you when you were young and reiterate your joy at being able to reciprocate. Lovingly expressing to a spouse that you have no greater joy than to honor your wedding vows \u201cin sickness and in health\u201d provides reassurance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The fear of losing control and being dependent on someone else to provide basic needs worries many seniors years before they actually need assistance. If a parent struggled with dementia or you observed an older sibling dealing with cognitive impairment, you may have already started dreading the day it would be your turn. Your recipient has reached this stage, and a good dose of empathy is called for as you strive to provide as much independence as possible. Encouraging your loved one to make small decisions such as what clothes wear and foods to eat can bolster their autonomy. Allowing them to make decisions about their future and assuring them that their choices will be honored will also help relieve fears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As caregivers, we would love to be able to alleviate our loved one\u2019s fears, but that is not always possible. However, when it comes to the fear of dying, we do have a great resource. In a kids\u2019 version of Pilgrim\u2019s Progress<\/em> we have watched with our grandkids, as Hopeful and Christian persist on their precarious journey to the Celestial City, an angel informed them they would have to die to get there, and then spoke these words: \u201cDeath can be peaceful or terrifying, depending on your faith.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n I have been by the bedside of many patients as they took their last breath. For those who were ready \u2013 who knew their destination and had prepared \u2013 there was peace instead of fear. I agree with the angel: one\u2019s faith determines how one experiences death. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fear of death is one foreboding that we can definitely address. Hebrews 2:14-15 reads, \u201cSo that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death \u2013 that is, the devil \u2013 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anyone who trusts Jesus Christ as their Savior will be freed from the fear of death!<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.\u201d Psalm 23:4<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" What are some common fears of care recipients? Researching this topic reveals three fears that are frequently mentioned: fear of being a burden; fear of losing control of one\u2019s life; and fear of death. It is important to note that some fears are healthy. Noticing an unusual change in a mole may scare you into making an appointment with a dermatologist. Studying current COVID statistics may convince you to take one or more vaccinations (or not). Riding in a car…<\/p>\n