Introduction

Contributing Factors

Identifying Symptoms of Depression

Treatment

“Real” Intersection of Systems

Action Ideas That Work

Resource Links

Resource Pages

References

Action Ideas That Work

Understanding Depression: A free series of educational forums provided by six south Minneapolis churches

Health Fair – Understanding Mental Health and Depression

Tele-Group for Depression

Friendly Visitor Programs

Befriender and Stephen Minister Lay Ministry Programs

A Card Ministry

Friendly Visitor Programs

One idea that has worked in many congregations is to form a “Friendly Visitors Program” to link companions to elderly who are homebound or in need of support. These volunteer companions simply listen, and act as a friend to those who might be lonely. One of the biggest benefits for the elderly is that they often find that they can talk to this “friend” about troubles and fears in a way that they can not tell anyone else. For instance, the elderly often rely on their family members for so many other things that they do not want to burden them with their fears as well.

In this program seniors who are homebound or isolated are matched up with members of the congregation who enjoy visiting. Often, one or two visitors are assigned to an elderly congregation member, depending upon the situation. Visits generally occur at a minimum of once a month, but can be as often as is comfortable for both parties. Some visitors will send cards or call in lieu of home visiting if that desired by the visitee.

Visitors who are new are given an orientation to the program and training regarding how to do home visits. The visitors are ask to serve for a period of one to two years, after which they may or may not choose to continue as a visitor. A committee chairperson periodically calls the visitors to see how things are going and determine if the match continues to be a good one. Four times a year, visitors get together to discuss their experiences and share ideas. They are asked not to share the name of their visitee out of respect for their privacy, but to speak in general terms to help problem solve or help others. At these gatherings the chairperson, parish nurse, and the minister provide information and education on a given topic (fall prevention, holiday stress, compassionate listening skills, etc).

The purpose of the friendly visitor program is just that - friendly visits. Visitors are not asked nor encouraged to do any housework, meal preparation, transportation or personal cares. They are to simply be a friend to the person they are visiting. Occasionally the visitor may observe or hear something that causes them concern. If this happens, they are to notify the minister or parish nurse.