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Parish Nurses Promote Caregiver Support
Mr. Paul Snamiska, CLR Program AdministratorClearly Caring Magazine, 4th Quarter 2009, Vol. 29, No. 4
The role of parish nursing is growing and developing in many congregations, and as the growth continues, many new programs need to be created. One special project being developed by CLR with the assistance of our parish nurses is the newly-developed Caregiver Support Program.
The Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is designed to focus on the caregiver and provide encouragement and relief through various acts of kindness and support. There is a growing need for families and loved ones to provide greater levels of support for those who are disabled, debilitated or terminally ill. The health care system provides for the needs of the patient but often ignores the caregiver during the process. The result is a caregiver who becomes worn out.
The CSP raises awareness of the needs of the caregiver and provides the structure to actually do something about it. As with other parish nursing activities, the CSP provides support that is non-invasive. The program is designed to match the needs of the caregiver with the talents of various members of the congregation. Each volunteer can select the type of support service and the amount of time that fits his/her personal schedule. The Guidebook includes valuable information and practical tools to help a congregation run an effective program. Included with the Guidebook are a number of forms to help organize the effort and assist with good communication. The best part of the CSP is its flexibility: it can be modified for each situation and be adjusted to fit the needs of any congregation.
As with any program, a key leader must be chosen. The leader should have the training and experience to work with groups of people, organize them into a productive group and delegate various duties to others. Parish nurses can work well in the role of team leader.
If your congregation has a parish nurse program, you are encouraged to discuss the Caregiver Support Program with your health ministry leaders. This could be a great way to use their training and skills to serve a special group of people within your church. If you do not have a parish nurse that serves within your congregation, you can still incorporate the CSP with your members through the leadership of other qualified individuals. Whether or not a parish nurse is involved, the majority of your volunteers do not require any special medical training.
The final Caregiver Support Program Guidebook should be completed soon.
http://www.christianliferesources.com/pdf/parishnursing/CSP_Guidebook_Nov_2009.pdf
Article Shortcut: http://www.christianliferesources.com?8520
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