Mercy Care volunteers commissioned
Article Photos
LAKE PLACID - Mercy Care for the Adirondacks commissioned six new friendship volunteers on Oct. 15 at the Saranac Lake First Presbyterian Church "to extend love, friendship, and assistance, including spiritual care, to elders living in their own homes," the Mercy Care press release said.
These Friendship Volunteers join eight volunteers trained in Saranac Lake in October 2007, nine volunteers trained in Tupper Lake in March 2008, 13 volunteers trained in Lake Placid in May 2008 and five Parish nurse volunteers trained in March 2008.
Mercy Care will hold its next Friendship Volunteer and Parish Nurse Training classes in the spring.
Friendship Volunteers complete 10 hours of training, consisting of physical fitness for older adults, community resources, spiritual care, conflict resolution, the elder and the family perspective, among others.
Training is provided by the Sisters of Mercy, elders' family members, Mercy Care board and staff, physical therapist, nurses, other elder agency staff, the director of the Essex County office for the aging and the director of state Connects/CARES for Franklin County.
Mercy Care for the Adirondacks 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. Services are available to any older adult in need living in their own home or other independent living community in the Tri-Lakes.
Sr. Catherine Cummings, RSM, Ed.D., R.N., directs Mercy Care's Friendship Volunteer and Parish Nurse Programs.
"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 the community," Sr. Cummings said.
Anyone who is interested in utilizing Mercy Care's services or anyone interested in becoming a Mercy Care Friendship Volunteer or a Volunteer Parish Nurse, is asked to call Sr. Catherine Cummings at 523-5582 or send her an e-mail at ccummings@adkmercy.org.
Mercy Care for the Adirondacks is governed by a local board of directors and can be reached at 185 Old Military Road, Lake Placid, NY 12946, by calling Donna Beal, executive director, at 523-5580, or by e-mail at dbeal@adkmercy.org.
