The DNA Update for United Methodists
Dr. Don Nations for January 2015
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In This Issue:
- Preparing for the Aging Wave
- New Year - Old Patterns
Preparing for the Aging Wave
The number of people in the US living into their 90s (and beyond) is rising. The dementia rate is increasing. Huge numbers of people enter retirement every day and, according to many reports, they are less financially prepared than the generation before them. Churches will be impacted by all of these things. It is in their interest, and the interest of their members, that they be prepared.
I met with a small group of pastors a few months ago and they talked of aging members needing assistance, families pushing the pastor/church to “make” their loved ones move and the many issues surrounding the needs of their older members. None of the pastors were familiar with Medicare and Medicaid rules, qualifying for government assistance, the various living options for seniors, Elder law, etc. This is not surprising as most pastors receive no training about these things and either learn about them in the course of doing ministry or when someone in their own family is facing these situations. We can, however, be proactive and in doing so be better prepared to assist our members and their families.
Here are some steps you can take to start the process. Remember that you do not need to know all of the answers but it is good to know the people who do.
- Meet with one or more attorneys who specialize in Elder law. Ask them what churches need to know to help their members. You might invite them to speak in a forum at your church.
- Meet with the Administrator or Director of Admissions at one or more assisted living facilities and skilled nursing units. Again, you might invite them to speak in a forum at your church.
- Meet with a representative from your local Alzheimer’s Association. They can provide information and materials to share with the congregation.
- Talk to your physician or one who specializes in working with older adults. They can be another source of helpful information and materials.
New Year – Old Patterns?
It is a new year and many people are talking about “new” things – diets, resolutions, goals, plans and more. Unfortunately history shows us that most of these new things will quickly go away and most people will act in 2015 about the same way they did in 2014. Our old patterns are difficult to break and we default to doing things like we have in the past. This is true for both individuals and organizations.
The “secret” to experiencing “new” things in our lives is not found in announcing the goal. Instead it is found in changing our pattern of behavior. Writing down a goal of losing weight will not be as effective as reducing the number of calories we eat. Tweeting a goal of learning a new skill is not as helpful as going to Khan Academy or a MOOC and working through the course material. Posting a desire to be more thankful on social media is less effective than finding a new charity to support and giving time and money to it consistently.
The secret to experiencing new things in organizations is similar – the organization must act differently. Instead of hoping for more people it needs to invest in new things which are likely to lead to that result. Instead of hoping for improved performance it needs to get a coach/consultant to help guide it. Instead of hoping to reach more young people it needs to ask them for input and be responsive to it. The path of success is more often paved one small brick at a time.
This can be a year in which we experience many new and wonderful things. We increase the likelihood of that happening when we make a few meaningful small changes in the way we live and act. What are you going to do today to make this a better year?
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Email Don: mailto:don@dnacoaching.com |
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