Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mercy Care for the Adirondacks? It is a mission sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy to provide elders, on a non-denominational basis, with companionship, friendship, and spiritual care. Services of this not-for-profit organization are supported through charitable donations.
Whom does Mercy Care serve? Mercy Care serves elders of all faiths living in their own homes or other independent living communities in the Tri-Lakes region of the Adirondacks. Services are offered to any older adult in need.
How do Friendship and Faith Community Nurse Volunteers make a difference? To help ease isolation and loneliness, Mercy Care gives priority to the establishment and strengthening of meaningful social relations between older adults and their family, friends, and volunteers, encouraging and enabling participation in the life of their communities.
How do I request a Mercy Care Friendship Volunteer or Faith Community Nurse? If you are an older adult--or know someone who is--who would welcome the services of our volunteers, please contact Sr. Catherine Cummings, RSM, Ed.D., R.N., at 518-523-5582 or by e-mail at ccummings@adkmercy.org
What is Mercy Care's Faith Community Nursing Program?
- A ministry that offers compassionate care consistent with the values and beliefs of each faith community.
- A resource to assist faith communities in establishing and maintaining an effective health ministry to elders and infirm persons within their congregations
- A collaboration with health-care providers, public, and private agencies serving elders.
- A health mission serving all elders living in their own homes or other senior living facilities—respecting the values and spiritual beliefs of each individual—those with faith and those without.
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A partnership with parishes, congregations, and volunteer Registered Nurses to promote the health and wellness of elders in our communities.
Mercy Care Faith Community Nurses--Who are they and what is their role? Mercy Care Faith Community Nurses, also known as Parish Nurses, are Registered Nurses who volunteer their time and talents in monitoring the health needs of elders in their parish, congregation, or community. Parish nurses advocate for whole person health care—body, mind, and spirit—using their health education and spiritual orientation. They serve as:
- Advocates for whole person healthcare—body, mind, and spirit
- Personal health counselors
- Health educators
- Referral sources and liaisons to community resources
- Coordinators and educators of volunteers
Mercy Care’s Faith Community Nurses do not provide “hands on” nursing care or duplicate other direct nursing or medical services
What are some of the concerns a Mercy Care Parish Nurse might help me with?
- Understanding the aging process
- Answering questions about my medical condition
- Counseling me about preparing for a test or procedure
- Navigating the health care system
- Obtaining community services
- Monitoring my blood pressure
- Being a listener as I search for the meaning of my experience of aging, illness, or loss
- Praying with me or sharing faith with me if I so desire
How can a Mercy Care Friendship Volunteer make a positive difference in an elder neighbor’s life?
- Accompany to medical appointments
- Telephone friend
- A picnic lunch
- Grocery shopping
- Praying with me or sharing faith with me if I so desire
- Many more…
- Friendly visiting in an elder’s home
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Outings—visits to family, scenic rides, restaurant outings
How do Mercy Care Faith Community Nurses and Mercy Care Friendship Volunteers Relate to each other? Mercy Care Friendship Volunteers are most likely to notice needs which an aging person may have for a health counselor, advocate, or educator. Mercy Care Friendship Volunteers will be on the “front lines” ready to refer those needing health counseling or evaluation to the parish nurse. Friendship and nurse volunteers may work together to help elders navigate access to community resources.
We are currently conducting an Aging in Place in the Tri-Lakes survey.
We value your feedback, and would appreciate if you took a few moments to respond to some questions.
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