Guest contributor, Becky Jane, is one amazing woman! As if she doesn’t have enough to do between authoring her blog, Rise Above Your Limits, mothering her 11 children, and pursuing her love of gardening–she has accepted a call to serve a service mission for her church with a special focus on Alzheimer’s disease. Read our interview with her and learn more about this much-needed program. For each comment at the bottom of this post, Standing for Something will donate $5.00 to LDS Family Services (up to $100.00 and until February 14th).
SFS: Tell us a little about your service mission and the Alzheimer’s Pilot Program.
Becky: Recently, I have been called as a Church Service Missionary for the Latter-day Saint Family Services “Alzheimer’s Pilot Program“. Our main focus is on helping people care for themselves while caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Working with the local Alzheimer’s Association, we gather information about what Alzheimer’s care centers are available and their level of care, day care centers for patients, geriatric doctors, and other pertinent information that would be helpful force a caregiver to know. Workshops and training are also available for caregivers to learn how to maintain their own temporal, physical, and spiritual needs. Finances, support groups, and legal advice are also concerns that caregivers face which are addressed.
It may not be on the mountain’s height, or over the stormy sea;
It may not be at the battle’s front my Lord will have need of me;
But if by a still, small voice He calls to paths I do not know,
I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Thine,
I’ll go where You want me to go.(LDS Hymnal #270)
SFS: What is LDS Family Services?
Becky: No one is immune from the current conditions that face our world. Sometimes we need extra help. It may be as simple as just needing a listening ear, reading a particular article addressing our current situation, or speaking with a professional counselor. To help meet these immediate needs, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has created an organization called LDS Family Services. Available on their site are many resources including counseling, recovery programs and information designed to help keep families strong and together -one of the main emphases of the LDS faith. With provident living as the goal, the services offered at LDS Family Services help people help themselves.
SFS: Besides Alzheimer’s, with what types of scenarios might LDS Family Services be able to help?
Becky:
- My cute little child has turned into a teenager and now hardly ever talks to me!
- I’m 16 years old, unmarried and pregnant. Should I keep my baby or get an abortion? What are my options?
- My husband and I hardly talk to each other anymore. I don’t want our marriage to end in divorce, but what can I do?
- My Dad’s dementia is getting worse, I’m afraid to even leave him alone anymore, but if I take him to a rest home, I feel like I’m a failure as a child. Where can I go for advice?
- My teenager has been hanging around with the wrong crowd. I’m concerned that he may be getting into drugs, how can I be sure without offending him?
- Pornography is ruining my ability to have normal relationships. But I am so addicted I can’t stop.
- I get so tense over the simplest things.
- This deep dark hole I seem to be in is just getting deeper and darker…Is there any way out?
SFS: How can one contact LDS Family Services if they have a need?
Becky: If a family or individual is struggling they can go directly to their local LDS Family Services (current members may receive a referral from their Bishop or Branch President). The Family Services Counselors and Service Missionaries are trained to address people’s needs in a professional, loving, non-threatening private manner.
SFS: How can one help and where do they begin?
Becky: Helping in large or small ways can make a difference in your life and in the life of someone you help.
Anyone can donate financial resources to help:
Anyone can volunteer service by contacting an LDS Family Services center nearby:
OR~ Contact your local Alzheimer’s Association and volunteer or donate.
Photo Credit: “Elderly Sister Looking Down” by Ronn Ashore
January 28, 2012 at 1:45 pm ·
Thank you for posting information about LDS family services! They have truly been a blessing in our home.
January 28, 2012 at 4:40 pm ·
What wonderful information! And what amazing work you are doing Becky! I appreciate all the efforts you are making that benefit so many.
January 28, 2012 at 5:39 pm ·
Thanks Chelsea and Marie! I’m learning new things all the time about LDSFS!
BeckyChapman recently posted..Christian Women’s Guest Post – Sandy
January 29, 2012 at 7:23 am ·
I think this is a great thing you are doing. My grandpa has Alzheimer’s and my mom takes care of him and it is rough on her because she feels like she has no help. It is nice when there are options and help for those who are caregivers of an Alzheimer’s patient helping them taking care of themselves while they take care of their loved ones. Many blessings to you.
January 29, 2012 at 6:41 pm ·
glad to know about these services
January 30, 2012 at 10:24 pm ·
This is a great, highly needed service to offer to caregivers. I help take care of my 93 yr mother who has Alzheimers and it is no picnic. My brother and sis-in-law and I take turns caring for her. Even though she is in a small group home (she cannot walk) we spend time with her everyday to make sure she is OK and she is well cared for and relate to her as much as she is able. It has been very difficult even with that much relief. It would be great to go to a support group to see how others feel about what they are doing in similar circumstances.
February 1, 2012 at 1:29 am ·
What a great cause. Becky you are truly a blessing and a role model. Keep up the amazing work. If only more could be as selfless as you.
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February 1, 2012 at 12:56 pm ·
Thanks for sharing Jill. So sorry to hear about your mom. Sending my love her/your way.
February 2, 2012 at 2:12 pm ·
I always love when two great bloggers from voiceboks get together!!! And, since you two are fav’s of mine I’m thrilled to stop by!! Allison I think it’s lovely that you are helping Becky and her service mission by donating money for each comment!! How cool!!
My dear Becky, I can’t imagine a better person for this job. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you embark on this special endeavor!! Love to you both!!
Kathy recently posted..Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
February 2, 2012 at 3:24 pm ·
Thanks for stopping by as always, Kathy. We so appreciate your support!
February 2, 2012 at 3:44 pm ·
How special! Alzheimers is a horrible, horrible disease. Watching it take away who my amazing grandmother was was truly heart wrenching. Thank you so much for helping those who really need the support..in so many areas.
Perspective Parenting recently posted..Old School or New Age?
February 2, 2012 at 5:11 pm ·
How awesome. Our Grandpa had Alzheimer’s, he passed away in 2004… we too try to do whatever we can to prevent and help others. What a Blessing! Becky Jane, Thank you for all that you do!!
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February 2, 2012 at 6:49 pm ·
What a fantastic cause to be a part of. Thank you for volunteering when you already do so much. And thank you for a fantastic interview. While I am not familiar with Alzheimers like some I was informed that my Grandfather may be headed there so what a time to start to dabble.
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February 3, 2012 at 11:49 pm ·
@Kathy, you always say the sweetest things…I’m going to adopt you and bring you home with me!
In the near future, I’ll be adding an Alzheimer’s information tab to my blog and post articles, stories, Caregiver information and the like on it. Thanks everyone for your insight and comments!
BeckyJane recently posted..Christian Women’s Guest Post – Shannon
February 6, 2012 at 2:22 am ·
Agree! Becky is made of awesome! Kudos and more power to you, Becky!
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February 6, 2012 at 3:15 am ·
Go Becky Go!
The Bible says that we are to take care of the widows and orphans, but so many forget. Thank you for remembering those who so many choose to ignore.
God bless.
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