A Care Group, after it is formed, will provide an organizational structure to ensure that an ill person receives help without burdening or burning out anyone. In the beginning, important roles are assumed by the initiator, by the leader of the first meeting, and by the coordinator. On-going care is given by Archangels, Angels, and the Choir. (Your group may choose different terms.) The job of Archangel rotates every two weeks, Angels choose and schedule the care they most enjoy giving, the Choir stands ready to meet special needs or to fill in as necessary. As the one who wants to act on the information, your first step is to talk with the ill person and one or two family members or friends about the idea of a care group. Never forget that the ill person is in charge of everything to the extent of her or his desire and ability. Also keep in mind that the ill person may resist accepting help from others. If you encounter objections, it is helpful to keep in mind that opportunities to give are gifts in themselves. The ill person can give through being willing to receive. Make a list of friends, relatives, neighbors, coworkers, club or church members, acquaintances from the past - be creative. Think also of professionals such as a lawyer, an organizer with computer skills, a therapist or counselor, a hospice volunteer or employee, or a body worker who may want to join the care group. Develop a list of telephone numbers with assistance from the ill person. During that conversation work with the ill person to develop a list of her or his needs and yearnings. Include basics such as cooking, shopping, rides to doctor's offices and also delights such as flowers, music, and videos. Consider the needs of family members and include relief for them on your list of needs. Choose a date for the first meeting and telephone everyone on the list. Explain the idea. Most people will be delighted to help. Prepare copies of (1) the list of needs and (2) forms to fill out with space to list the skills each person would enjoy contributing, what they dislike doing, and how involved they want to be. (3) Include a calendar for each person to indicate when they are available and (4) another page where volunteers write their telephone, email and mailing addresses. (The book, Share the Care, by Cappy Capossela and Shiela Warnock, has forms you can photocopy. Page 111 +) Plan for the meeting. Include some connecting, love building exercises, time for the ill person to speak, time for questions, time for each person to speak or write their truth about how they have become connected to the ill person, why they want to help, their fears and what they will gain by helping. You may want to include music, poetry, prayer, dance, and ritual - as appropriate. At the meeting have each person fill out the forms. Emphasize that it is extremely important that each person give only the gifts they are comfortable with giving. We suggest using the Archangel system where two people are responsible for two weeks to serve as contacts for the ill person as unanticipated needs arise and for volunteers to contact if they have a problem meeting their schedule. During each of the two weeks one of Archangels takes the lead and the other is the backup. So at the first meeting it is important to find Archangels for at least the first two weeks. Explain that not everyone can offer to be one of the Angels and that some may choose to be in the Choir, available on an as-needed basis. Include this option on the forms. After the meeting the coordinator creates a telephone tree and an email list, compiles the list of Angels and of Choir Members, matches needs and schedules to the Angels' forms and distributes these materials to everyone involved. This job can be shared. The ill person may already be attending a support group. If not, he or she may want to create a support group from among the Angels and Choir. However, it is important for a support group where emotional issues are being worked through to have a leader who is qualified, such as a therapist, counselor, or experienced hospice group leader. A newsletter helped Ellen's Angels keep in touch. One Angel produced it, a couple who were Angels printed labels and mailed it. Ellen wrote most of the newsletter but used whatever other writing she wanted to use. Another Angel kept the email list and eased our communications through timely messages. Those without email were telephoned. When the time seems right, have a party. Have a theme for the party. A theme relating to interests of the ill person or meaningful to the group is likely to work well. Recognize and celebrate everyone. Have fun. Ellen's Angels had a Flamenco Party complete with a Spanish guitarist and dancers and Spanish food. We also had a Dances of Universal Peace party and trips to a chapel and group participation in Race for the Cure to raise funds for cancer research. Be sensitive to when a second meeting is needed, those who are most involved will know when. More group building, sharing of love, of problems, of feelings, of tears, of laughter will be meaningful and helpful. Subsequent meetings may be needed periodically to stay connected, to address problems, or to orient and integrate new Angels or Choir Members. Whether the ill person recovers or dies, when the Angels have completed their mission a private celebration of the life of the dear one is appropriate. This is a time for Angels to share their grief or joy, to talk of what the experience of being in a care group has meant to them, to share memories, thoughts, and emotions. Please contact us if you have questions or want more details about any of these suggested organizational steps.
		| Home | Ellen's Story |Angels | | Organize | Resources | Contact |
Copyright © 2000 - Ellen's Angels and EB Communications