SIDE-BY-SIDE RESPITE MINISTRY
Side-By-Side Respite Ministry at First United Methodist Church of Long Beach is designed to help enrich the lives of adults with Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s, Stroke or Traumatic Brain Injury through fellowship and engaging activities while also providing support for caregivers. Time spent at the respite ministry provides participants a safe and socially connected environment while allowing caregivers the opportunity for personal time in which to rest and address their own needs. This is a social ministry, and no medical care is provided. Side-By-Side is open to all denominations and members of the community who meet the admission criteria.
Click here to watch this video to gain insight about this incredible new ministry starting at FUMC Long
Beach on October 12, 2022. This is a video from First UMC in Montgomery, AL where our ministry
leaders first observed and were trained for this kind of ministry.
Click on the Side By Side Ministry Video to see more about what our day is like.
RESPITE CARE
Side By Side Respite Ministry
SERVICES OFFERED
For the Participant (Friend):
Side-By-Side Respite Ministry provides a loving and mentally stimulating environment for the well-being of each friend. A variety of activities includes, but is not limited to, social, creative, intellectual, spiritual, and recreational programming.
Examples of activities include:
- Music
- Exercise
- Bible Study/Devotion
- Arts and Crafts
- Pet Assisted Therapy
- Service Projects
- Gardening
Participants may choose to come one or more days.
For the Caregiver (Care Partner):
Caring for a family member or loved one is gratifying, but it is also challenging. Caregivers enjoy peace of mind knowing their loved ones are cared for in a safe and loving environment.
Side-By-Side Respite Ministry is designed to relieve the caregivers for free time so they can:
- Run Errands
- Take care of business
- Lunch with a Friend
- Relax
ADMISSION CRITERIA
All persons are welcome. Participation in the program will be based on the applicant’s ability to participate and the initial interview with the director.
Participants must be independent in the following:
- Mobility
- Attending to their own bathroom needs
- Participating in social activities
- Feeding themselves
We require a completed medical Assessment from the participant’s physician and a list of current medications. Caregivers are invited to call and schedule a tour of Side-By-Side Respite Care Ministry prior to enrollment.
For more information, call our church office at 228-863-9619