HOSPITAL OR NURSING HOME VISITATION

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This activity falls into the category of outreach because it involves visiting people who have no direct association with your parish. It is reaching out to our neighbors in the love and concern that Jesus told us to have. It is greatly needed because in our society today there are literally thousands of people in hospitals and nursing homes that have no or little family and who may not have a very strong faith to sustain them. They often sit or lie all day without anyone other than the nurse or attendants speaking to them. This is sad because everyone needs the fellowship of other people at times and needs to feel loved and wanted. Undertaking a project like this may not be appealing, but we assure you that after you have done it, the reward will be great in just knowing you cared.

HOW IT WORKS

This ministry can take many forms. Some of them are:

Visitation of Hospital patients

Needs to be coordinated with the Hospital Staff or chaplain. Since it would be difficult to visit all patients, it may be best to visit only those with Episcopal background. The specific focus needs to be carefully selected in conjunction with your rector and the hospital chaplain. A Brotherhood booklet is available on this type of visitation. Training is needed because certain things should and should not be said and sensitivity to the individuals visited is essential.

Visitation of Nursing Home Patients

Somewhat different from hospital visitation since patients are usually older and have less critical problems. Communication may also be difficult because of hearing and speech problems. The needs discussed above also apply. Usually nursing home patients just need company and perhaps someone to read to them for awhile. Small gifts may be appropriate although the nursing home staff should be checked on this.

Conducting of Worship Services in Nursing Homes

Regular worship services may or may not be scheduled. If this is a focus which the chapter wishes to have, a discussion with Nursing Home staffs will reveal present practices.

If this project is undertaken, there is a need for faithfulness in meeting the time schedule and in just being present. A simple nondenominational service is appropriate unless the Home is Episcopal related. Use several people, possibly including patients, to read scripture lessons and psalms.

Conducting of Music and Social Programs in Nursing Homes

Singing and acting groups on a regular or special basis will probably be welcomed by most Homes. This is an activity in which parish youth can often be recruited, especially around Christmas time. Although nursing home patients are often not able to sing lustily or tunefully, a time in which they are invited to participate in the singing should be planned. Song sheets should be handed out

Here are some general things to remember:

  • Do not hesitate to touch patients hands and hold them briefly. They need this and most will react gratefully.
  • Do try to involve other people in the parish in this activity.
  • A faithful and strongly interested member is needed to coordinate this program.
  • Do not take on too ambitious a project to start off with. It is much better to expand the program than to have to stop it because it is impractical or impossible to continue.
  • Ask members and the parish to pray regularly for this ministry.
  • Please get someone to write up this project and send it to the St. Andrew's CROSS and diocesan publication about once a year. Include a photo if possible.

 

HOW TO GET STARTED

It would be well for an interested member to investigate the possibilities for service in the area prior to talking to the chapter about it. A visit to the Hospital(s) and/or Home(s) being considered would be helpful so that whoever presents this could speak from personal experience. It would also be helpful to have the rector present when this is discussed. After agreement is made to sponsor this activity, a general invitation should be issued to the parish. A schedule which suits those who will participate can then be made. Do not start on too ambitious a basis. Build up your participation as interest grows.

The visitors should be familiar with the How To Special Material: HINTS FOR VISITING THE SICK IN HOME OR HOSPITAL.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

None.
Last Update 03-31-2007