NEIGHBORS NEEDING RESPITE

Free, volunteer-led, monthly social gathering focused on the human connection that comes with recreation, leisure, music, laughter, and fun within a faith community for those living with a chronic, progressive, life-altering diagnosis.

INFORMATION

ABOUT OUR PROGRAM

INFORMATION

FOR PARTICIPANTS

INFORMATION

FOR VOLUNTEERS

OUR MISSION

To provide a safe and inviting respite opportunity away from home for the care recipient (and the family caregiver) where the only focus is on relaxation and connection rather than on the challenges of living with a serious health condition.

Laugh

and have fun as the only goal

Connect

with new people from all walks of life

Move

and stretch, flex, bend, dance

Create

crafts, service projects, memories

Eat

lunch with neighbors

Sing

alone, with others, or by listening

Learn

something worthwhile and meaningful

Escape

from home and the daily routine

Share

you and all you love with others

WHAT IS

Neighbors Needing Respite?

A theme-based social gathering and escape – any focus on medical situations fall away
A quality-of-life event – a faith-based community without labels where all participants can find joy by being together in the moment
A caring, nurturing environment – safe, predictable, stimulating, inclusive and offered regularly
A respite from the many burdens we all carry – offering each other support, comfort, and friendship – program participants, family caregivers, and well-trained volunteers

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL Neighbors Needing Respite EVENT LOOK LIKE?

10:15 – 10:30 Drop off by caregivers
10:30 – 11:00 Chit-Chat & Reminisce – Coffee, Cake & Conversation
11:00 – 11:45 Bodies In Motion – Stretching, Physical Activities, Dance
11:45 – 12:30 Break for Lunch
12:30 – 1:15 Busy Hands – Crafts, Games, Service Projects
1:15 – 2:00 Musical Moments – Karaoke, Sing-Along, Instruments
2:00 – 2:30 Wrap Up, Recap, Take-Homes, Ice Cream!
2:30 – 2:45 Pick up by caregivers

Held 4th Tuesday of Each Month in the Chapel

For more information email co-directors Fee Mercer or Pat Gottman at caregiverspathway@churchofthepalms.org

Get more Info

UPCOMING EVENTS

Neighbors Needing Respite: October

Tues, Oct 27 • 10:30 am -2:30 pm

Chapel

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Neighbors Needing Respite: November

November 11th from 10::30am to 2:30pm

Chapel

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Neighbors Needing Neighbors December

December 22nd from 10:30am to 2:30pm

Chapel

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HOW DO I KNOW WHETHER

Neighbors Needing Respite IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Can you function well in a structured social environment?

Can ambulate safely alone with cane, walker, or in wheelchair
Can care for your restroom needs without assistance
Are comfortable in a group of 20-25 other people
Can take your own medications if needed during this time
Are willing to be pre-screened before participating
Are willing to pre-register for each event (we cannot take walk-ins)

What does my caregiver need to know?

There is no medical staff on-site; 1 to 1 companion care only
You must be available via phone during event hours should an emergency arise
Our volunteers cannot stay beyond designated pick-up times
You are welcome to stay with your loved one if you feel it is necessary, but are free to go enjoy your own respite during this time
A pre-screening and fully completed Registration Form must be on file before participating in any event
Are willing to pre-register for each event (we cannot take walk-ins)

Tell Us About You

Interested? We will contact you to schedule a pre-screening to ensure your successful participation in this program. Email us at caregiverspathway@churchofthepalms.org

Contact Fee Mercer or Pat Gottman for more information.

New Guest Intake Form

Medical Release Form Sample

WHY VOLUNTEER FOR

Neighbors Needing Respite?

It is a meaningful and compassionate way to better the life of another
Each event gives you the opportunity to unlock and open the door to joy for those who need it the most
We all need respite from something … this ministry allows folks from all walks of life to offer comfort and friendship to others -CONNECTION to Loving Neighbor!

What is required to volunteer for Neighbors Needing Respite?

A caring, patient, loving, open heart
Provide one-to-one companion care to a participant at each event or assist on an event subcommittee (Food, Music, Activities)
Participate in pre-program training and event debriefs
Respect the confidentiality of all individuals who participate
Complete a confidential volunteer background check with an outside company to help ensure a safe environment
Be wholly present to the dynamics of each event – and enjoy yourself!