What Works Best in a Variety of Situations in Nursing Homes

• Seniors of various religious backgrounds will attend.  Emphasize the Lord Jesus rather than a denomination; our goal is to win them to Him.

• Seniors of various mental and spiritual levels will attend.  Choose bible passages that are easy to understand and reflect the simple truths of the Word.

• Residents’ requests should be honored.  For example, sing a hymn or song they suggest and listen to their expressions of needs.  Take a moment to pray.  As the saying goes, people don’t care how much we know until they know how much we care.

• Most residents will need staff to bring them to the services in wheelchairs or beds.  Be sure the residents can see your visuals or objects from where they are sitting and that they can hear the speaker.                                                                                                 

• Interruptions and changes are inevitable.  Keep Christ like attitudes in dealing with such changes including a periodic change in the place to meet.  If you experience too much interference at your regular meeting places, work with the Activities Director to find a more suitable, quiet place

• Consistent punctuality on your part will facilitate the staff’s cooperation to have the residents there at the appointed place and on time.

• Residents will enjoy participating when given the opportunity.  Suggestions include the following:  Pray the Lord’s Prayer with them; allow for brief testimonies; sing familiar hymns and spiritual songs, and use the Doxology as a benediction.

• As we put ourselves in the residents’ places we will want to give them knowledge of the way of salvation, provide words of comfort and build faith in Jesus, anointed by the Holy Spirit.  This will help the Nursing Home fulfill a part of their Mission statement which deals with meeting the spiritual needs of the residents. 

Interested in beginning a ministry to those in nursing homes? 
Robert and Barbara Tourville have valuable information to help you get started. 

Helpful articles:

1. Starting a Nursing Home Ministry
2. What to Expect in a Nursing Home Atmosphere
3. What Works Best in a Variety of Situations in Nursing Homes