description
guide for chaplains, pastors, elders, deacons, parish nurses, church members, family members-and anyone else who might have occasion to visit someone who is aging, homebound or in a hospital. The nine chapters creatively address common circumstances visitors are likely to encounter. The book offers practical suggestions about how visitors might interact with seniors in a way that sensitively expresses care and love. The goal of each chapter is to help the visitor make the interaction memorable, providing encouragement and fun to the person or family member being visited. Anyone can read this book at his/her own pace. This book could also be used as a handbook for a 10-week group discussion, focusing on a specific chapter each week. In that case, it is recommended that participants make visits during this time so they can practice using some of the suggestions in the book and bring back their comments and questions for subsequent group discussions. This handbook thoughtfully integrates Scripture and, where circumstances warrant, spiritual counsel. Appendix A offers resources for eight focus areas or situations that visitors may encounter: three are positive experiences, four deal with common difficulties, and the eighth emphasizes the need for salvation. The discussion of each area includes a real-life anecdote to illustrate its application, followed by relevant Bible verses and a sample prayer.