A Volunteer Day Care Program for the Elderly and Respite for the Care Givers

Shared Care provides care and companionship for seniors and impaired adults while offering family members time for their own needs.

Trained Volunteers 
All volunteers have been thoroughly trained in dealing with various illnesses which might afflict members.  In addition, classes have been held on C.P.R., psychology, first aid and reality orientation.

Shared care meets every Wednesday at Temple Beth El in Boca Raton from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, October through May. Members are to be brought to the Temple in the morning and picked up in the afternoon.  The program provides coffee, milk and cookies in the morning and at lunchtime.

Daily Activities
Activities during the day include discussions of current events, sing-along, table games, arts and crafts led by a retired art teacher as well as exercises under the guidance of a professional genertologist.  Records are kept of all disabilities and medication.  Telephone numbers are filed in case of emergency. If a member is absent, a telephone call is made to the home.  It is the practice of Shared Care to have as many volunteers as members.  Birthdays and special events in the lives of the members are celebrated with song and refreshments.  Members and volunteers bring their own bag lunch and all have their lunch together.

Caring
In addition to the Shared Care, one of the outstanding features of the program is the personal warmth and affection of the dedicated volunteers toward their charges.  There is no doubt that they really do care!

A Vital aspect of Shared Care is Interfaith
All holidays of the various faiths are celebrated with and explanation of the background, music and services involved.  Symbols are described and samples of holiday food are enjoyed.

For more information, please contact:

Temple Beth El of Boca Raton
561-391-8900

St. Joan of Arc Parish
561-392-0007 x 2858