What's a Care Team?

A Care Team provides a way for our congregation to respond to the real-life needs of individuals and families. This team is a group of trained members working together to offer practical, emotional, and spiritual support to those in need. These needs may result from a developmental or physical disability, a prolonged physical or mental illness, limitations brought on by the aging process, or other life challenging situations, or, they may be temporary, due to an accident or episodic illness.

The team is clear about when and how it is able to respond to the needs of those served with the skills and time offered. Members choose how and when they can help—making Care Team Ministry especially suited to working with people’s busy schedules.

Why Are Care Teams Needed?

• The number of persons with a long-term illness or needs arising from health issues at home is increasing.
• Congregation members are living longer and many wish to continue to live independently as long as possible, through the use of support services.
• Families with two wage earners often do not have the opportunity to provide routine services because of work schedules.
• Fewer caregivers are available to care for the increasing number of persons with long-term needs.
• Families and congregations often do not know how or where to find and organize volunteers to work with persons who have long-term needs.

How Much Training Is Involved?

Care team members must attend one 3-hour orientation to receive training in how to appropriately handle sensitive issues and in suggested ways to respond in situations they may encounter. Boundaries are also covered: for example, that a care team does not provide either direct medical care nor financial assistance to the partner.

What If I Need a Care Team?

That’s why this ministry exists! Please benefit from a Care Team if you are in need. If you would like to become a care team partner, please contact Care Committee Chair Laurie Rodriguez or call the church at 407-644-3455.

What Does a Care Team Do?

Care team members work from an established and coordinated plan—always as part of a team effort. The team, as well as the care partner and appropriate family develop a plan unique to each care partner's individual needs and support requirements. As part of the team, members are empowered to use their particular gifts and available time to offer secondary care that is a concrete expression of the "hands and feet" of the gospel.

Care teams help with real life needs, such as:

• Household chores
• Yard work
• Errands
• Meals
• Transportation
• Respite care
• Social outings
• Baby-sitting
• Phone calls
• Ministry of being or presence

Members meet once a month for no more than 59 minutes to keep one another informed of the implementation of the care plan and updated on any changes in the physical condition or living situation of the care partner. These meetings also serve as a built-in support system for the team members, allowing for additional training and fellowship.

Why Should I Join a Care Team?

The Bible calls us to “bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Becoming a care team member is an undemanding but effective way to honor this calling. In addition, being on a care team can be rewarding and enjoyable, providing a chance to know fellow church members and to deepen your relationship with God.

Please contact Care Committee Chair Laurie Rodriguez to learn more about becoming a Care Team member, or call the church at 407-644-3455.