Comments on: Caring (and Cleaning) for the Caregiver

By: Heather

Heather — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 21:53:03 +0000

I have also had friends do this for me when I am deep in a depressive state. It is so incredibly helpful and such a great blessing.
I am trying to do some of the same for my grandparents, but they are having such a hard time accepting help

By: Amy

Amy — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:57:39 +0000

Wow, great advice. Years ago my sister was very sick and had to have a procedure. She stayed at my mom’s house because her husband had to work. The day she went to the hospital I went into the room where she was saying and cleared the surfaces, dusted, vacuumed, changed the sheets, etc. When she came home to the freshened up room, she cried. And I’m not a cleaner…heck, I don;t clean my own house. But I know how good it feels when someone does something so “practical” like that.

Keeping your folks in my prayers, Amy.

By: Lisa Marie

Lisa Marie — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:06:21 +0000

You are so right. People keep bringing food to our house because I’m sick. But really, we’re pretty picky about our food and you may be wasting your time and money because we might not eat what you make. But if you cleaned for us? Or sent someone to clean? WOW! What I wouldn’t give for some clean laundry and less clutter.

By: PomJob

PomJob — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:29:34 +0000

Not quite the same thing, but I cleaned my sister’s house for her while she was in the hospital having my new nephew. The new family was less stressed when they came home to a cleaner house and then my brother in law washed my car for me. Everyone wins!

By: Danielle

Danielle — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:30:27 +0000

The first thing to go is yourself, then your house in time of need. Fabulous idea, and thanks for the selfless post.

By: Sharon

Sharon — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 21:43:41 +0000

Great advice. Cleaning isn’t something that I usually think about in that situation.

By: Stacy

Stacy — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:55:34 +0000

Well said. Going to volunteer to help a friend right now.

By: Springsteen fan

Springsteen fan — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:09:04 +0000

Amy, you’ve given me a great idea for my friend w/a newborn. Thanks and I’m keeping your dad (and Mom) in my thoughts and prayers.

By: Karen

Karen — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:01:42 +0000

Even moms…those who take their kids to therapies and cook them Gluten-free and Casein-free meals…give someone like that a hand. I lived with the constant running until a couple of months ago when we realized our darling boy will be just fine…but parents with honest-to-goodness special needs kids could use a little pick-me-up pick-up around their houses too!

By: Wendy

Wendy — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:50:13 +0000

In a twist of fate, I read your advice before my grandmother was coming home from the hospital. I only had time to run the vacuum and wipe down the bathroom, but she was so appreciative! Now while she recovers, I know what I can do to really help instead of just sitting on the couch and trying to think of things to talk about while keeping her company. Thanks for the ideas, you’re wonderful!