Caring for the Caregiver

Kimberly Novak offers five prayerful ways caregivers can add moments of self-care to their busy days.

Life is chock-full of seasons, and I am currently in the season of caregiving. My children are adults now, so it has been several years since I have had to give of myself in such a capacity. As busy moms, you know you can’t just take a day off from child-rearing or household chores. There will come a time, though, when you are so busy caring for those you love, you will miss the signs of burnout and fatigue. Caring for the caregiver is almost a higher priority. After all, if Supermom has no energy, chaos can ensue. 

I don’t want to compare elder care with childcare, because they really go hand in hand. Recently, I heard a golden nugget of inspiration within an Ascension Press podcast featuring Father Mike Schmitz and Father Boniface Hicks, titled Waiting Well. Fr. Mike emphasizes that caring for others, especially in moments of sacrifice, is not a burden but an encounter with Jesus, often acting "in the person of Christ." He teaches that such service is a divine opportunity to love, as Christ Himself serves through us.

Finding the Love of Jesus in Both Giving and Receiving

We can assimilate this with busy moms as well as those caring for elderly family members. Just imagine a busy mom moment. Your little one has fallen off his/her bike and entered the kitchen crying out for help. Meanwhile, your husband has just returned from work and is asking what time dinner will be ready. In that moment, the dog barks to go outside for a potty break, and your eldest has returned home from school needing craft supplies for a project due the next day. In this scenario, a first reaction might be to wave the white flag, so to speak, and leave them all to fend for themselves. On the other hand, if we bring Jesus into the chaos, we can walk with Him to resolve everything, one issue at a time.

So, what does it look like when we invite Jesus into the pandemonium of life? As the little one is crying for your help, take on the healing heart of Jesus to soothe the injury and comfort the child. Invite the hungry husband into the caregiving process and assure him that you will get dinner on the table promptly. Advise the eldest to make a list of the supplies needed, and share that you will attend to that later. By responding in a way Jesus would, with compassion, gentleness, and love, the chaotic moments transform into little blessings.

Most Parents Would React Similarly. Where’s the Difference?

The difference lies in the caregiver's emotional response, whether hidden or visible. When you react in those ways, asking Jesus to be with you in the moment, the moment becomes a blessing. Anxiety levels go down, breathing becomes easier, and happiness surrounds the situation rather than feeling overwhelmed. Father Mike Schmitz described it as looking into the face of Jesus as you are caring for that individual(s).

The differences from there will snowball into manageable moments with everyone involved responding in Love. 

Caregiving as a Ministry

In my current world, I believe God has placed me in this particular caregiving role as a ministry. I am serving a child of God, no matter the age. I am giving of myself to ensure needs are met in meaningful and appropriate ways as each day comes. I could consider it a cross to bear, and if that’s the case, I’m grateful I have Jesus to help me carry it, wherever it leads. 

Mom-life is a ministry all its own, and perhaps if you look at it that way, the crazy days will seem less of a chore and more of a blessing when you share those moments with Jesus. 

As I stated earlier, caring for the caregiver is crucial to maintain the blessedness and order of the ministry. Here are some suggestions for a busy mom or someone caring for older people, so you can take care of yourself and have the strength to care for others.

Five Ways Caregivers Can Care for Themselves

1. Find a chair, corner, or a place to sit on a step and pray a brief prayer inviting Jesus into the moment.

2. Stop whatever it is you are doing and recite your favorite Scripture passage, with deep breathing. A breath prayer would also be a good option; there are many examples online.

3. Think about the joy in ministering to others, and hopefully, it will remove any feelings of exhaustion.

4. Journal for five minutes. Once you have some alone time, jot down your feelings and emotions in your journal. It’s important to note the times when you were in the heat of caregiving and something made you smile, or a moment when you recognized God in the midst of the chaos. 

5. Talk it out. Call a friend, or share with your spouse how it's going, and invite Jesus into that conversation as well.

In my own experience, I am amazed at the difference it has made for my well-being to enter into the caregiving experience with Jesus at my side. The work becomes something I get to do, and doing it with Jesus makes it even more treasured. 

The next time a hectic mom moment arises, ask Jesus to go with you. Choose one of these five ways to care for yourself in that moment, and enjoy the blessings!

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2026 Kimberly Novak
Images: