WELS Nurses Association ť Resource Library

Resource Library

The resources found in our library in no way represent all of that which is available on the subject. They give an idea on what has been developed or used by and is appropriate for use in our WELS congregations. Feel free to adapt the resources as appropriate to your congregation's needs if given permission. Instructions for availability or free download will be given with each item.

Devotional Resources

WELS Daily Devotions. Click on this link to see the devotions and to subscribe. A devotion will be emailed to you each day.

Jesus Cares Ministry

A Matter of the Heart: Starting a Disability Ministry is a new UTube video developed by the Jesus Cares Ministry of The Lutheran Home Association.Want to learn more about serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in your own congregation? Starting a program of your own can become a reality as you reach out and include all people with souls that Christ died for too. Click here to access the UTube video!

Guidelines for Special Needs Parent Support Network Raising children is not easy. Raising children who have intellectual and developmental disabilities is even more challenging. Without the help of others it can be an over whelming step by step process from the time of the diagnosis to the challenges of raising a special needs child. Without God in the lives of parents with children who have special needs it can be an even greater challenge. A special needs parents network offers those in your congregation and in the community some hope in an often seemingly hopeless situation. It offers hope in a very real way through God and His Word. It offers hope to those who are just starting their journey by gathering with those who have been through the journey. By making the journey along with the support, prayer, and advice of others the journey will likely be smoother. By sharing ideas and resources along with learning from others mistakes there is a sense that they are not in it alone. It will also allow those who face these challenges to grow in their faith. Click here.

Parish Nursing Resources

The Client Record Form has been used to document basic contact information, client concerns and health history. The second page or back of the form contains a spiritual assessment that has been used as a guideline in providing spiritual support. Rarely, are all elements of the assessment collected on the initial visit. These can be very personal questions and establishing a trusting relationship takes time. You'll also note that space is provided on the top of the form for your churches logo. Feel free to change the form and make it more usable for your situation. Access this document here.

The Parish Nurse Care Plan has been used to develop a plan of care for the client from the congregation who is at risk of spiritual distress due to health problems, advanced aging issues, separation from family support systems or stress due to caregiving. Client outcomes and nursing interventions are included with room to make it individualized. Access this document here.

The Parish Nurse Blood Pressure Ministry Guidelines has been written to serve as a tool for nurses wanting to begin/refine their blood pressure screening ministry. Any of the information in this guidebook can be reproduced. Since these are evidence based guidelines, it is important that no changes are made to the referral guidelines. Any of the appendices can be altered to meet your ministry needs. Access this document here.

Dementia Resources

"It's Alzheimer's - It's Time for Extraordinary Love" - This booklet offers the people who are affected by Alzheimer's disease a starting point for understanding and adjusting to its challenging realities. Most importantly, it directs people to the hope and future that God promises through Jesus. Even with an Alzheimer's diagnosis, God's Word assures us: nothing "in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:39) A bible study and leaders guide are also included. Published by The Lutheran Home Association and is available for order on www.tlha.org.

"God Never Forgets - Faith, Hope, and Alheimer's Disease" - This book, edited by Donald K. Mc Kim offers assistance to all those whose lives are affected by this degenerative disease, helping them find God's presence in the midst of difficult times. The book reminds us that God does not forget us - no matter what the circumstances. God always remembers who we are. Published by Westminster John Knox Press.

Caregiving Resources

"Caregiver Support Guidelines" A new resource just completed by WELS Parish Nurses and Special Ministries to assist our congregations as they minister to the body of Christ in a variety of situations. Click on the link to access the document. /home/180006935/180006935/Images/Caregiver Support Guidelines 2011.pdf

"If I Walked in her Shoes - Reflections in Caregiving" by Susan Salach. This novel shares a firshand look at the dynamics of caring for an aging loved one who begins to need more care and what it is like to suddenly become dependent on others. You will experience their struggles, triumphs, and the underlying love that is the foundation of theri relationship. Published by xulonpress. Available from salachseniorservices@yahoo.com.

"Just When u Think u Know What You're Talking About - Along Comes Grandpa!" by Susan Salach. This is a story of a relationship between two very different generations, separated by almost sixty years, which at times is funny, heartfelt, sad, and moving, and at all times honest. Sometimes it is painfully honest about how difficult it is to be the caregiver, the family member, the cheerleader, the doctor, the nurse, and the care coordinatorr. We are all those things and more when we assume the role of caregiver for a loved one. Published by Wheatmark. Available from salachseniorservices@yahoo.com.

"Blessings & Prayers for Caregivers" This devotional companion is written by Annetta Dellinger and Karen Boerger. It provides you with readings of affirmation and encouragement. Prayers, Scriptures, Psalms, and hymns were selected to help you focus on Jesus Christ as the source of all hope, on the strength of God's Holy word for us, and on the certainty of His promises of mercy, grace, and salvation. It is available from http://online.NPH.net.

"Joy-spiration for Caregivers" by Annetta Dellinger & Karen Boerger. It contains a collection of short, power-packed and uplifting meditations based on Scripture that will strengthen the caregiver with God's promises. It also is available from http://online.NPH.net.

"WELS Women's Ministry" At times the Lord puts us in positions of caring for someone in need. If you are one of those people, we thank God for you! To encourage and help you, here are some resources! Click on the link to access the site http://www.welswomen.net/site/cpage.asp?cpage_id=180021776&sec_id=180002756

WELS Support Group Listings

WELS Support Groups that are known are listed below. This information may be used as a referral for people in need locally or as a springboard for development in your part of the country. If you would like to add your group please contact Sue @ welsnurses@wels.net.

Wings of Hope is a support group for those suffering the loss of a loved one through suicide. They share sorrow, caring from the heart and offer hope. Meetings are held at Calvary Lutheran Church in Theinsville, WI at 6:30 PM. For more information contact Pastor Kurt or Connie Ebert at 262.853.5068 or at their website www.wingsofhopemequon.org .

Samaritan Partners is a caregiver support group holding its meetings at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Wauwatosa, Wis. ATTENTION CAREGIVERS – Do you provide care for a loved one with personal care, physical care, home care, transportation, oversee medical issues or just go to visit? Do you use vacation time or have to take time off of work? When you think about it, many of us are, will be, or were a caregiver or will someday need one. Our caregiver support group is open to caregivers in all capacities; long term, short term, long distance, permanent live-in, POA’s etc. Privacy will be respected. For questions, comments, or to RSVPThis group gathers on every fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 P.M. in the church library. Meetings will include a devotion, a presentation and/or a discussion topic and fellowship. For more information, please contact Carol at 414.543.7532 or Paula 262.782.0524. Hazardous road conditions during our Wisconsin winters will cancel the gathering.

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Ministry (IDDM) Special Needs Family Network - The Special Needs Family Network (866-550-9357) will connect you with WELS parents who have a child with a condition similar to yours and are willing to be your mentor. This support is usually provided over the phone or internet on a one-on-one basis.

Hearts in Heaven : Organization dealing with child loss including recurrent miscarriage and child loss. Go to www.heartsinheaven.org for more information.

DivorceCare : Peace Lutheran Church of Hartford, WI is offering this special seminar/support group to help parents and children dealing with divorce issues. It is led by trained facilitators providing valuable information about ways to deal with feelings from the pain of a divorce all the while growing in your faith. Children learn to understand their feelings through the use of arts, crafts, songs, DVD dramas and games; learning to express feelings appropriately, develop coping skills and feel better about themselves. For more information or to register, call 1-262-673-5610 or go to the church website at www.peacehartford.org.

GriefShare: Peace Lutheran Church of Hartford, WI is offering a friendly, caring support group where individuals can find help and healing from the hurt of losing a loved one. The GriefShare seminars/grief recovery support groups are led by trained leaders who will provide understanding and insight to help group members through this difficult time in life. For more information or to register, call 1-262-673-5610 or go to the church website at www.peacehartford.org.

Midnight Ministry: Administered by Wisconsin Lutheran Institutional Ministries and is focused on sharing the Bread of Life as well as meeting some of their most basic needs with newly released men & women from the Milwaukee, WI. County Jail or the County Correctional Facility-South. Midnight Ministry is currently supported only by personal gifts and donations of time and needed supplies. For more information please contact Staff Minister Mart Rosewicz at 414-232-6285. Or to donate, one time and monthly gifts can be given through the WLIM secure, on-line "Give a Giftt" service at www.wlim.net.

Grace Oasis (a Christian recovery ministry) and God & Grub (a support group for released inmates and their families) are also associated with Wisconsin Lutheran Institutional Ministries. Both are located at Salem Ev. Lutheran Church, which is located on the east side of Milwaukee, WI. Both programs offer a study of the Word as well as an evening meal, guideance, fellowship and clothing as needed. For more information contact WLIM at 414-259-4370.