While enduring the agonies of the cross, our Master did four things. He forgave his
tormentors; he encouraged the repentant criminal beside him; he let go of his earthly life and somewhere in the middle of all of that, he found his mother a new home... (see John 19:25-27).
Like the disciples at the foot of the cross, what options do we have for caring for our elders?
There is a joke circling the internet that describes elder care in a Holiday Inn. (Google it under "nursing home humor-Holiday Inn.) While its intent is to be humorous, there are many points being made that are actually true. For instance, the cost of a nursing home/facility may be $300/day and more, while a hotel room-with room service, clean linen, entertainment facilities, etc.-is significantly less.
Most individuals would choose to stay at home when a need arises. It is the "dearest spot on earth", as our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, says. (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures 58:21) However, staying in one's own home may not be wise or possible.
Years ago, my family was invited to live with an elderly gentleman who needed some care. We had an apartment upstairs and he lived downstairs, but within calling range. We enjoyed this expanded sense of family, and it was indeed a blessing for all. Our next move was to our own large Victorian house where we maintained a small apartment for Christian Scientists desiring assistance. Throughout the next 11 years we were able to offer a caring home to individuals and couples and again, enjoy an "enlarged tent border." Currently, I am working with a group of interested church members to set up a Home for Christian Scientists in New Hampshire.
There is no replacing our hard-working, precious Christian Science facilities. They are able to gracefully meet the demands of round-the-clock intensive Christian Science nursing care, provide Christian Science nurses training and are available for quiet respite and refuge. If one is providing care in-home for a relative or church member, it soon becomes evident that the facility is a necessity for needs beyond the scope of care at home, or for those times when the caregiver or client require a reprieve.
The "small home", on the other hand, is an entity that can either be incorporated and/or not-for-profit, or privately owned. The small home would probably have fewer than 10 guests at any time, although the size is not necessarily defined. It may or may not be licensed, depending upon the requirements of the state or city it resides in. The buildings may be purpose-built, purchased, or leased. And the staffing may be permanent, part-time or on-call. Care may be offered on a limited or long-term basis and may or may not include specific qualifications. The small home generally seeks to exist in simplicity-to cater to the individuality of a person-to provide the same type of assistance and feeling one would have in his/her own home or living with a relative.
Small homes have some advantages over facilities. There are fewer overhead costs, and therefore less cost to the client. Because of the direct oversight from the homeowner/manager, it is easier to control food and care quality. A small home tends to lend itself more to the feel of being in a family and therefore, care needs are met more "normally." (While different states have a range of licensing and procedural statutes, the small home usually can act with fewer intrusions from medically-driven requirements.)
Operating a small home can have its challenges. It is imperative that the small home owner/manager fills staffing needs-first, for the safety and well-being of the clients, and secondly, to avoid suggestions of being overwhelmed or overworked. This can sometimes conflict with the next point-financing the small home. There is a balance that needs to be worked out between the expenses of maintaining the home and staff, and the costs to the individuals staying there. If this is their home "in perpetuum", a large monthly fee would certainly not encourage expectancy of "eternal life", would it?
Some other challenges might be demonstrating legal clout and dealing with liabilities-how to insure one's home, for example; maintaining the same standards of confidentiality and privacy as in a facility; and fulfilling the social needs of another, which can be time-consuming but also extremely fun and rewarding.
Here are a few ideas one needs to consider when setting up a small Christian Science home:
** Determine the local needs and resources. What is the most efficient location? (supportive city/state statutes, Christian Science nursing or care committee availability, etc.)
** Develop a general budget or financial plan. (Where will supporting funds come from? Cost of living in the area? Interest of members in the field?)
** Determine legal requirements. Every state's (and sometimes city zoning) laws can be different. Determine incorporating vs. privately owned. What are the requirements and what legal accommodations are available? Work closely with the state Committee on Publication. (This may be a process of education for him/her as well-work together!)
** Determine if it would be best to purchase a property, lease, and upgrade or renovate, etc. Consider and make a plan for the appropriate layouts (private rooms, baths, stairs, etc.)
** Determine staffing needs and availability. If incorporated, the Board will have to prepare a budget that will indicate what funds are available for staff. (Will duties overlap? Night supervision? Who cooks and cleans? On-call or in-house? Trained or not? Christian Science vs. non-Christian Science resources, etc.)
Three points that must be reiterated are:
1. DO NOT hesitate to ask for help, whether it means hiring another individual to work in the home with you; being constantly in touch with your state Committee on Publication or asking other Christian Science nurses for their input, ideas AND assistance.
2. Go forward and listen to those angel messages-every experience is different and you will be led with amazing results.
3. Point #1!
While I am not an expert on this subject, I am its most avid fan and hope that by sharing this information I can inspire any of you who may be considering opening a home to go ahead and do it! Our "experienced" members deserve to be where they can continue their practice and demonstration of Christian Science with dignity and loving support. Yes, there can be challenges, but they pale quickly in the face of all of the blessings caring for one another brings.
Canterbury Crest: An "on-call" guest cottage in Oregon. Christian Science nurses available for in-home care or in the cottage as needed. Contact: Errol Hawley or Jeff Bender-Baird at: info@canterburycrest.org or visit their website at:
http://info@canterburycrest.org.
Harmony at Home Foundation: Three homes always open in Naperville, Illinois with a 24/7 staff of all Christian Scientists including Christian Science Journal-listed Christian Science nurses. In-home care is also available. Contact: Kay Fischer or Bonnie Mitchinson at:
www.harmonyathomefoundation.org or call (630)-961-0330.
Tender Care at Home: Five-bedroom assisted living home in Ballwin, Missouri. Contact: Jane Schmit, telephone: (314)-580-3021.
Twelveacres: Homes in California community settings that provide care for Christian Scientists with developmental challenges. Contact: Lin Watts at:
http://www.twelveacres.org.
Caring for One Another: A resource network for Christian Scientists seeking answers on how to properly care for themselves or loved ones when there is a need. Ellen also cares for individuals in her home. Contact: Ellen Anderson at:
http://www.caringforoneanother.com.
