In the Hands of Christ: A Look At Caregivers and Dementia

In the Catholic faith we have an endless source of renewal available to us through the Mass, the sacraments, Scripture, and the saints. In my own life, I’ve observed that key words come to me when I need strength or wisdom. 

In the last few years, the words of St. Teresa of Avila have emerged front and center as I navigate my mother’s dementia diagnosis. This beloved passage deeply resonates when caring for a loved one with dementia and Alzheimer’s: “Christ has no body but yours; yours are the hands with which he blesses the world.” 

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that over 5.8 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with dementia, and because it is a disease that frequently results in the loss of autonomy, there are, alongside all these patients, millions and millions of caregivers. As I’ve crossed paths with dozens of family members in this role, St. Teresa’s words have become increasingly clear. I’ve been left in awe by the stories I’ve witnessed and heard. 

I became curious about all these caring hands of Christ, and whether the caregivers saw within themselves the spirituality that I perceive in them. While there are countless sons, husbands, and wives also involved in this unwavering work, I will share here the stories of three daughters I had the privilege of interviewing. 

To read the full article, head over to this link from St. Anthony Messenger to read about three amazing women who embody the words of St. Teresa:

https://www.franciscanmedia.org/st-anthony-messenger/in-the-hands-of-christ/