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St. Mary's Parish Nurse Ministry Program
Ruth E. Williams, RN, MEPD, MSN
| St. Mary's Parish Nurse Newsletter... September, 2001 |
Dear Viewers, Peace be to all caregivers. Caregivers are those people, professional and nonprofessional, who provide for the health and social needs of others. "Come all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest"(Matt. 11:28). The major role of women throughtout life is caregiving. They give care to their whole family. The majority of women caregivers are unpaid (72%) and are midlife daughters or daughters-in-law. |
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Caring for families by women is the informal care
they do in conjunction to holding jobs outside the home. Mothers are
the primary caregivers for the health and illness needs of the family.
Wives often care for their aging and ill spouses. Daughters and
daughters-in-law care for their aging and ill parents. The role of
women caregivers in today's society is often devalued. The wages lost
by women who are caregivers are immeasurable. Statistics show that
18.1% take time off without pay, 9% leave the work force and 29.4% make
adjustments in the work schedules. The estimated time spent caring for
elderly family members is 28-40 hours per week.
Caregiver burden encompasses physical, psychologic, emotional, social and financial probems that can be experience by caregivers. So, who will take care of tomorrow's caregivers who are today's caregivers? Some thoughts are: more prayers are needed, seek professional help, support groups are needed, more women must participate in public decision making about health care, enter the political arena, health care fields, research, and health care administration. Hopefully, women's health issues can be addressed more precisely. (Stanhope and Lancaster) "Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light"(Matt 11:29-30). | |
| Ruth E. Williams, RN, MEPD, MSN 789 N. Central Richland Center, WI 53581 608-647-3280 e-mail: rew@mwt.net |
Copyright © 2001-2007. Revised April 30, 2005. |
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