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Local Ministry

Nursing Home Ministry Group

Assignment

Nursing Home Services

Purpose

To provide ministry to residents in nursing homes

Scripture

"Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone" (Psalm 71:9).

Introduction

With both the husband and wife working outside the home, it sometimes becomes necessary to place older loved ones in nursing homes or health care centers for proper care.

People live longer and they sometimes require special care or professional therapy which cannot be given at home. The obvious choice is a competent nursing home.

Whether or not you have a friend or loved one in a nursing home makes little difference when it comes to ministry to nursing home residents. You are needed!

Work closely with the Creativity Ministry Groups who may provide small gifts for special occasions and the Physical Care Ministry Groups who provide for special personal and physical care. Also, make them a part of the spiritual care.

Opportunities for Ministry

I. Groups

  1. Plan weekly services for nursing home residents. Clear dates for regular meetings with the supervisors. Be faithful.
  2. Make residents you visit and minister to feel "special." Reassure them that you love them and that God loves them.
  3. Study the Bible or Sunday school lessons with residents. Let them contribute to the session. Study with a group of two or three at a time.
  4. Sponsor a children's or youth choir occasionally to sing for your services. Make arrangements ahead of time so that announcements can be made.
  5. At Christmas, invite a group to go caroling through the hallways, if practical.
  6. Plan a children's piano recital for a special occasion.

II. One-to-One

  1. Provide the Pentecostal Evangel, Woman's Touch for women, God's Word for Today, and HonorBound, etc., for residents who enjoy reading.
  2. Read to residents who enjoy a variety of materials. Read distinctly and loud enough for them to hear.
  3. Use cassette tape players to play portions of church services, sermons, and music to residents.
  4. Read a chapter from the Bible.
  5. Take a guitar or other nonamplified instrument to play and sing for individual residents who enjoy music and singing.
  6. Always pray with residents.
  7. Listen to the residents who want to talk. You may hear the same stories over again, but it's important for them to talk.
  8. Find something to compliment-smile, hairstyle, clothes, etc.
  9. Celebrate birthdays and special holidays with small gifts. Work with Hospitality Ministry Groups who may provide small cakes, cookies, etc., for such occasions.
  10. Watch for residents who are always alone. Some people have no visitors for months. Be a friend to them.
  11. Watch a church TV program with residents.

Cautions

  1. Elderly or sick people tire easily. Keep your weekly services short—30 to 40 minutes. One-to-one visits should not tire residents—the length of time depends on the individual's health.
  2. Keep your devotions positive—the love of Jesus, forgiveness, etc.
  3. Not all senior citizens have hearing problems. Speak to them in normal tones unless they are hard of hearing.
  4. Use the residents' names. This makes them feel special.
  5. Avoid subjects that might upset residents. Keep conversation light and uplifting.
  6. Be consistent in your ministry. Residents look forward to your coming. Don't disappoint them.
  7. Respect visiting hours. Time must be allotted for personal care.
  8. Be considerate of roommates. They may not want to join in your activities. Make them feel welcome to participate but not obligated.
  9. For group activities such as singing, provide large print song or chorus sheets.
  10. Avoid using heavy books or Bibles. Many elderly people tire easily when holding heavy objects.
  11. Sing familiar hymns.
  12. Carry on normal conversations with residents whether or not they are mentally alert. They are still human beings with feelings. Most elderly people are alert.
  13. Clear with the nurse before bringing candy and other foods to nursing home residents who may have restricted diets.
  14. Do not become a crusader-you are a visitor, not someone to change the system. Abide by the wishes of the health care center and individual residents.
  15. Prepare children and young people carefully before taking them with you to participate in services. Assure them the residents will appreciate them. The initial trauma of seeing groups of elderly and people with disabilities can be difficult.

Conclusion

Some nursing home residents are physically capable of attending church services if they have transportation. (Your Services Ministry Group can provide transportation.)

If the residents cannot attend services, the only spiritual nurturing they receive is either by television, radio, or from those who choose to bring it to them.

We must not forget those who have served others for years. Now is our time to minister to them.