How often have you heard an agonizing senior or family member struggling as they encounter issues associated with growing older? These issues include questions such as “How can I convince my 92-year father to give up driving?” Or “My parents can no longer care for themselves in their own homes.  Where can we turn for help?” And “My mother just invested $100,000 of her life savings with a person who just knocked at her door!” Often, there are no simple answers. When the Baby Boomers start turning 65 in 2011, more than 10,000 people will reach that birthday daily. The “oldest old” (those over 85) is the fastest-growing age segment in the United States.
  
A tremendous burden will be placed on existing Government and non-profit agencies. Can our local churches help lighten this load? Because of this tremendous need, Adventist Elder Care Ministry was organized by a steering committee consisting of representatives from various departments of the General Conference and the North American Division (NAD). NAD Adventist Community Services was asked to develop this ministry which coordinates education and services related to aging, health, finance and social issues for seniors in the church and community in collaboration with community-based elder care programs.

With the goal of an Elder Care Ministry in every congregation in the North American Division, an educational curriculum has been developed for those who have a special interest in this important area. We also have partnered with the Society of Certified Senior Advisors, which is an organization that educates professionals to work more effectively with their senior clients. A scholarship discount is available for their CSA Education Course. For more information about this organization, visit www.csa.us. 

Opportunities for local churches are many. We can serve seniors and support caregivers with information&other resources. Also, people aged 45 to 70-ish are more likely to join a church at this time of their lives. This is a great evangelistic opportunity to reach our senior community friends.

Here is a model to follow when organizing a ministry to seniors and their caregivers:

 1.    Select a senior care coordinator/committee/council
 2.    Gather information about older adults including church and community demographics
 3.    Review existing church programs
 4.    Survey Community social service agencies
 5.    Develop ministry plan/programs for seniors
 6.    Establish a shared vision, set goals and objectives
 7.    Identify resources&key people
 8.    Involve other area churches&agencies
 9.    Implement your program
10.   Evaluate/enhance your program

Examples of ministry ideas for seniors include: benefits checkup, community education courses, caregiver support groups, community senior health fairs, homemaker services, home repair/maintenance services, companion services, telephone reassurance, adopt-a-grandparent program, respite care services, worship/prayer, study groups, and travel opportunities – just to name a few.

The following resources are available from AdventSource. For a complete listing visit www.adventsource.org or call 800-328.0525.

Quick Start Guide for Senior Adult Ministries
Adventist Elder Care Brochure – which outlines this ministry and how your church can get involved.
   
For more information or to schedule training, contact the NAD Adventist Community Services Department at 301-680-6438 or visit the website www.communityservices.org.

Marilyn K. Renk, CSA is Adventist Elder Care Ministry Coordinator for the North American Division.