A Community Respite Ministry/University Partnership Creates Meaningful Elder-Care Experiences

Abstract

As the North American population of older adults increases, so does the need for nursing students to gain skills in geriatric care. Locating appropriate clinical sites for undergraduate students, including community and health promotion opportunities, prompted a public university's school of nursing to partner with a faith-based respite program. The collaboration between a public educational institution and a church-based program benefited the geriatric participants, the program leadership, and the nursing students and faculty.

A qualitative study on the willingness and influencing factors of master of geriatric nursing specialist postgraduates to volunteer for home respite care for disabled elderly families

“…Establishing a support system is an integral part of enhancing the willingness to provide respite care, which includes setting up relevant support institutions or teams in schools and community organizations to provide graduate students with the necessary guidance, training, and resource support. For example, collaborating with relevant organizations,such as municipalities, nongovernmental organizations, charities, and religious institutions, to help the health system establish respite care facilities and services [ 54 ], Providing a practical place for graduate students.For example, the College of Nursing at Auburn University has cooperated with the REACH Community Respite Ministry [ 55 ]. Through regular activities such as seminars and graduate student forums, exchanges and cooperation among graduate students can also be promoted to enhance their awareness and enthusiasm for volunteering.…”