Primary caregivers receive much-needed relief from the services of congregation-based Respite Care Teams. 

Training and ongoing support to team members are provided through a unique collaboration of Catholic Charities and Oakwood Lutheran Senior Ministries.

There is no charge to the individual or family for the support and assistance provided by the team. All team contacts are confidential and services are offered to persons regardless of race, religious belief or economic status.

 

 

The Team Members

All care team members are screened through background checks, and thoroughly trained in topics and techniques such as: confidentiality, limits of care, handling an emergency, active listening skills, safe transfer techniques, infection control and the principles of the team process. The team members abide by the ethics of respectful and compassionate care, confidentiality, and services offered without discrimination.

Services Offered

The team members offer an array of non-medical services including rest and relief for primary caregivers, friendly visits and phone calls, assistance with mail, reading and correspondence, occasional assistance with meal preparation, light housekeeping, simple repairs, yard chores, shopping, transportation, errands and outings.

Respite Care Team Ministry Benefits

To Those Being Served:

• Enhances capacity to maintain independence and lifestyle
• Offers rest and relief for caregivers
• Provides confidential assistance from members of your congregation
• Increases sense of community

To the Congregation:

• Provides opportunities for members to assist with pastoral care
• Offers a team approach which allows several members to share responsibility
• Enhances congregation's ability to provide direct assistance to members and neighbors
• Increases sense of community

To the Team Member:

• Provides an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth
• Expands the awareness of congregational and community needs
• Provides a forum for problem solving
• Offers valuable training opportunities

Photo Credit: Tom Berg

Representatives of the St. John the Baptist Respite Care Team Ministry, Waunakee, received a United Way of Dane County Community Volunteer Award at the 2012 Award Luncheon held on April 26th at the Concourse Hotel. This annual United Way event honors volunteers for changing lives in Dane County. The St. John the Baptist Team was recognized for its outstanding commitment to the residents of the Waunakee and Westport areas.

In her nomination the program coordinator stated, “This team is exceptional in that despite the members’ busy lives, which for many team members includes full-time employment, they demonstrate a high regard for and commitment to requests for assistance. As a team, they beautifully model the spirit of volunteerism in how they collaborate with each other so as to accommodate requests for service. Although some situations are challenging, the team members acknowledge that they always receive joy and blessings through the wonderful people they meet.”  

When receiving the award, Karen Miller and Roberta Gilkes, co-leaders of the team commented, “This Award is not just for our team but is in recognition of all the Respite Care Teams throughout Dane County who are making a difference in others’ lives.”

The event is presented by United Way of Dane County and CUNA Mutual Group and co-sponsored by Dean Clinic, Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin, Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation and St. Mary’s Hospital.

Respite Care Teams, such as the St. John the Baptist Team, receive consultation, training and on-going support through a collaboration of Catholic Charities and Oakwood Lutheran Senior Ministries. 

If you are interested in forming a team or in receiving services please contact Lynda Koivunen at (608) 833-4800 x106 or lkoivunen@ccmadison.org.