Respite Ministry

Care for the loved one

The Respite Ministry at FUMC Montgomery exists to provide a place of love, fellowship and stimulating activities for people living with various memory loss diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, or stroke. Along with a large group of incredibly loving, giving, and capable volunteers, we experience the deep joy of creating a community where people living with Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body, vascular dementia, aphasia, Parkinson’s, and other conditions are known for who they are, not for what they are no longer. We lift up the abilities – not the disabilities – of our participants, whom we call “friends”. We ask our friends for help (with functional tasks), so that they still know they are vital and can do meaningful work among a group. We ask our friends what they think, so that they will feel respected and relevant. We engage our friends in humor and levity through good natured-banter, so they will have the joy of creativity and play. All of these things we do in response to the rapidly growing number of persons living with memory loss, both directly and indirectly as a caregiver.

Through visual art, movement, music, storytelling, games and fellowship, Respite Ministry stimulates cognition, nurtures growth, and provides purpose and meaning for participants with memory challenges, as well as dedicated volunteers who serve as intentional companions. Friends have the opportunity to socialize with others while enjoying a variety of stimulating activities:

• Music and Dance
• Exercise
• Optional Chapel Services
• Arts and Crafts
• Intergenerational Activities
• Pet Therapy
• Service Projects
• Enrollment is available at an affordable cost.
• Participants may choose to come one or more days.

Care for the caregivers

Caring for a family member or loved one is gratifying, but it is also challenging. FUMC Respite Care Ministry is designed to relieve the caregivers for free time so they can:

• Run Errands
• Take care of business
• Enjoy time to one’s self

Enrollment

Participants must be independent in the following:

• Participants must be able to ambulate. The use of a cane, walker, or wheelchair are fine.
• Participants must be able to eat independently.
• Participants must be able to toilet independently. Absorbent briefs (such as Depends) are fine. ● Participants must be able to function cooperatively in a group.

Caregiver’s Support Group

Caregiver’s support group meets once a month and offers caregivers a safe space for confidential discussion, listening, and education. Together, the Respite Ministry day program and Care Giver’s support group foster a community of connection and care. The support group meets the first Thursday of every month from 10:00am-12:00pm at First Methodist. Caregivers can sign their loved ones in to the Respite day program for free that day and meet with the group. Please contact Director, Tammy Center at tcenter@fumcmontgomery.org or call 334-834-8990.

Participant Fee

• $40 per day (4 hours of care and a hot lunch)

Payment Details

• Invoices are sent via email for the previous month.
• Payments are submitted by check or cash
• No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Scholarship is available to those in financial need. For inquires please contact Director, Tammy Center at tcenter@fumcmontgomery.org 334-834-8990 or Assistant Director, Laura Selby at lselby@fumcmontgomery.org or 334-201-8286.

The Side By Side Singers

This choir was formed for to share joy though music and offer community for those living with dementia and related diseases. Volunteers, caregivers and friends with dementia are all welcomed. We have ten-week sessions where the choir practices from 1:00pm-2:00pm on designated Tuesdays.

• No auditions. We believe that everyone is a singer
• We sing familiar songs and new ones too. People with dementia CAN learn new music
• We rehearse weekly, and we end each session with a performance for family and friends
• Volunteers are available to help provide a welcoming, dementia-friendly environment
• Caregivers can sing with their loved one or friends can sing with volunteers in the choir
• The choir provides community and meaning for people longing for connection

Please contact Choir Administrator, Laura Selby at lselby@fumcmontgomery.org or 334-201-8286.