CUMC Senior Adult Ministry Announcements

TELECARE PROGRAM
AT CATALINA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

PURPOSE:

Make daily telephone contact with people who live alone and who are primarily homebound to determine that the individual is all right. It is part of the Senior Adult Ministry and a vital part of the church's outreach into the community.

ELIGIBILITY AND REFERRAL PROCESS:

Anyone in the community is eligible, regardless of church affiliation or status. The person must live alone and must provide two backup numbers that will be called in case the client does not answer the phone. Referrals can be made by anyone (self, family, social workers, neighbors, etc.) and can be called to the church office at (520) 327-4296 or Julie Bubul, Senior Adult Ministry, at the same number. An intake phone interview is done and the information is then passed on to the callers.

CALLING PROCEDURE:

The callers are volunteers who sign up to call several days each month. A calendar is prepared and sent out each month. The clients must answer the call and it is their responsibility to notify the church office and leave a message if they know they will not be home. The caller will follow through with each client until the client either answers or the emergency contacts are reached and a resolution is obtained. If there are concerns about a client's situation, they will be referred to the Senior Adult Ministry Program or other appropriate resources.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A REFERRAL,
CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE AT (520) 327-4296.

Telecare Program at Catalina UMC: A Brief History

by Julie Bubul

     In 1983, when Stan Brown was pastor and Mel Pritts was the Associate Pastor, there were quite a few people in the congregation who lived alone and who were concerned about what would happen to them if they fell or got sick. Nobody would know and they might lie on the floor for hours or days. So, the Telecare program was born, an idea made into an active ministry through Mel's work. Helping him at the beginning was Virginia Imbronone, who kept the records, handled the details, and kept in touch with the callers.
     In the beginning the callers would come to the church office every morning to make their daily calls. If someone didn't answer, Mel would go out to the home to check to make sure everything was all right. He did indeed find people who had fallen and needed help.
     At first the Telecare volunteers called Catalina UMC members, but as more volunteers stepped forward, the program spread. By 1985, Telecare was working with hospitals, and the service was offered to the whole community. That continues today.
     At some point the callers stopped coming to the church to call and began making their calls from their homes. This required the development of a different kind of back-up system so that if the person didn't answer, there would be someone close by who would go check on him or her. But making calls from home has enabled people who can't get out to become callers and give this wonderful ministry to others.
     As I've gone to visit people, I've heard how much the daily calls mean to them. It offers a sense of security that someone will follow-up if they don't answer and that someone does care about them and is checking on them. For frail older people, living alone, this is very important. The daily callers come to know those they call quite well and have become important parts of their lives. Their friendly voices and concern are bright spots in the days of isolated individuals. Those who call are truly carrying out an important ministry of the church, making a difference in people's lives and giving God's love. If you are interested in becoming a caller or in being called, contact Julie Bubul at the church, (520) 327-4296.