Caregivers

Tree roots by water with Odell quote

A well-loved reading in the Unitarian Universalist hymnbook ends with the words, "All our lives we are in need, and others are in need of us." As adults grow older, some of them need care to navigate the challenges of day-to-day living. While some have professional caregivers, many rely on family members and friends for needed help. Caregiving is a gift of love and compassion to another, but it is also a privilege, giving both the caregiver and the one who receives care a chance to explore unknown territory together. Caregiving requires practical skills as well as physical, emotional, and spiritual resources.

Practical Guidance and Information

For Congregations

  • The caregiver statistics offered by the Caregiver Action Network, provide useful information for congregations who are considering growing their ministry to those who are caring for older loved ones.
  • Alzheimer's Caregiving Takes a Village, a 2014 UU World article by the Rev. Jade Angelica, offers practical suggestions for how UUs can better serve people with dementia and their loved ones.
  • Rev. Esther Hurlburt, echurlburt@gmail.com, a Unitarian Universalist community minister, offers workshops and programs about using Unitarian Universalist practices and values to help navigate the challenges of caregiving. Programs are for congregations and for older adults and their families.
  • Healing Moments, a nonprofit focused on Alzheimer's/Dementia education and Advocacy, offers workshops for faith communities about how to address the pastoral needs of individuals with Alzheimer's/Dementia and their caregivers.
  • The Sacred Care Project was developed by Bridget Betzer at the Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church, Southfield, MI, as a way to help faith communities support those at the end of life.

Spiritual Support for Caregivers

Where Two Worlds Touch A Spiritual Journey Through Alzheimer's Disease

By Jade C. Angelica

From Skinner House Books

A spiritual memoir and a pastoral guide for those who love someone with Alzheimer's. Offers advice on preserving connection, self-care, and staying open to the possibility of grace.

Buy This Book

Jade Angelica and her mother Jeanne

Rev. Jade Angelica and her mother Jeanne

Enjoying Time Together: Jeffrey Norris watching TV with his grandmother, Carol, who has Lewy Body Dementia

Jeffrey Norris watching TV with his grandmother, Carol, who has Lewy Body Dementia

An elder from First UU San Antonio holding her dog

An older adult from First UU San Antonio, TX, visits nursing home residents and brings her dog.

Where Two Worlds Touch cover

While There is Still Light book cover