Did you know that more than 1 in 5 adults — a total of 53 million adult Americans — are now unpaid family caregivers? 

Did you know that boomers, ages 55 to 75, who were once taking care of friends and loved ones are now the ones needing care?

Did you know that their children (Generation X-ers) and grandchildren (Millennials) are now stepping into the role of caregiver?

(The above information is from National Alliance for Caregiving).

So, what does it take to be a good caregiver?

First of all, to be a good caregiver we must care. That means we must be vigilant intercessors for our loved ones just like they were for us when we were growing up. That means putting their needs before our own, doing everything we can to keep them comfortable and safe, and loving them patiently through this challenging time in their lives.

What does that look like? Here’s a short list of things we can do.

• As they downsize their lives, help them navigate and adjust to a variety of living conditions while always keeping their safety and comfort in mind.
• Act as a buffer to protect and defend them at all times; even when dealing with healthcare professionals.
• Keep a list of their medicines and make sure they follow your loved one through all levels of care.
• Make sure your loved one stays hydrated. Eight, 8-ounce glasses of liquid daily.
• Keep all snacks in sealed containers to avoid an army of ants.
• If they are bed-ridden, inspect their bed to make sure they aren’t lying on sharp objects and help them adjust their position to be more comfortable.
• Make sure they have on clean bedclothes at all times.

When Jesus told Peter, “Take care of my sheep” (John 21:16), Peter passed that message along to us. He wrote, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be…eager to serve” (1 Peter 5:2).

For more information on what it looks like to be a vigilant intercessor, read The Road to Glory: Walking Mama Home available on Amazon.