“The church’s ministry of caring is a grateful response to God’s caring for us.” (ELCA message on AIDS) The ministry of caring impels us to be well-informed about AIDS and serve those with AIDS and their friends and family members. To learn more about being involved in a ministry of caring, read the full ELCA message on AIDS:

AIDS and the Church's Ministry of Caring (www.elca.org/socialstatements/aids) is the message on AIDS adopted by the ELCA Church Council in 1988.

The section of this site, Care of Caregivers provides suggestions for supporting those who care for those with AIDS.  Stigma and Discrimination are barriers to a ministry of caring.

Care of Caregivers
Following are ways you can help support HIV/AIDS care givers.

1. Keep in touch. Maintain contact with family members. A card, call, or visit all mean a great deal. Family members, including the person with HIV/AIDS will benefit from your visits or calls. Continue to send cards, even if you don't get a response.
    
2. Do little things. Make extra food portions and drop off a meal (in a freezable or disposable container). Before doing your errands, check with a family member to see if there's anything they need. Surprise the care giver with a special treat, such as a rented movie, an audiotape of last week's church service or a gift certificate for a dinner out.
    
3. Give them a break. Offer to stay with the HIV/AIDS person so family members can run errands, attend a support group meeting, take a short trip, or have personal time at home. This gives the person with HIV/AIDS a break, also.
    
4. Be specific when offering assistance. Have the family prepare a "to do" list of hard-to-get-to projects (e.g., laundry, dusting, yard work, medical bills). Designate what you can do, then dedicate time on a regular basis to help the family with these tasks.
    
5. Be alert. Learn about HIV/AIDS and how it impacts the family. Know how to recognize a problem and respond. Take time to learn about other common behaviors and helpful care techniques.
    
6. Provide a change of scenery. Plan an activity that gets the entire family out of the house. Include the person with HIV/AIDS if the care giver feels it's appropriate. Invite the family to your house, a nearby park for a picnic, or make a reservation at a restaurant.
    
7. Learn to listen. Realize those affected by HIV/AIDS just need to talk sometimes. Encourage them to share how they are doing. You don't need to have all of the answers, just be a compassionate listener. Try not to ask questions or judge, but rather offer support and acceptance.
    
8. Care for the care giver. Encourage care givers to take care of themselves. Pass along useful information and offer to attend a support group meeting with them. Local HIV/AIDS agencies have information available and sponsor telephone "Helplines" and support groups.
    
9. Remember all family members. The person with HIV/AIDS will appreciate your visits, even if unable to show it. Spouses, adult children and even young grandchildren are all affected in different ways. Be attentive to their needs.
    
10. Get involved. There are many things you can do to help today and prevent further devastation tomorrow. Make a contribution to an HIV/AIDS agency and volunteer.