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Written May 2020
As the coronavirus spreads inexorably across the country and globe, many of us find ourselves in the position of caregivers to one or more family members suffering from the virus–in some cases, even as we are overcoming the illness ourselves. In many families, the so-called “sandwich generation” is simultaneously caring for young children and elderly parents.
As America ages, there are more and more people in need of care at home. Much of this care is being provided by relatives or friends, most of whom are doing it for no pay. But the costs cannot only be measured in dollars and cents. In one survey, nearly a quarter of caregivers reported that they themselves were in fair or poor health. Yet they are sacrificing time and energy to care for others even weaker than themselves.
Unpaid family caregivers are an unappreciated part of our healthcare system. Our seniors are living longer and mostly choosing to live at home, relieving stress from overburdened hospitals and long-term care facilities. But we cannot overlook the stress and burden on family caregivers themselves. Caring for a family member at home limits the caregiver’s ability to work at a paying job and to advance in a career. Many caregivers report emotional satisfaction from caregiving, or feel that it’s their responsibility as a member of the family. However, they also admit that the demands of caregiving take a toll on their own health. The CDC said caregiving is a public health issue of increasing importance, and urged government leaders to find more ways to support those who lovingly give of themselves to support loved ones.
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We are currently in the month of Iyar, which has the acronym of Ani Hashem Rofecha—”I am G-d your Healer.” When healing comes from G-d Himself, the illness is uprooted as if it never existed in the first place.
This week’s parshah, Acharei Mos-Kedoshim, states, “You shall be holy because I am holy; I am G-d your G-d.” In the verses that follow, we are commanded to treat each other ethically and compassionately and to practice kindness with each other. We emulate G-d’s ways and become holy like Him by doing acts of kindness. When we perform the mitzvah of caring for the sick and we do it as the fulfillment of the Divine decree, we become G-d’s emissaries and gain some of HIs healing powers. The care that we give to our loved ones becomes a source of blessing for them and for us, to remove the illness and infirmity entirely as if it never was.
Of course, the culmination of this process will be with the revelation of Moshiach, when all illness will be healed. G-d will swallow up death forever and wipe the tears off every face.
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