The Role of Social Work in a Congregation-Based Respite Care Program

Background and Purpose:  As the population with dementia grows, respite care has proven effective in reducing pressure on the families caring for dementia patients (Lee & Cameron, 2004; Eagar et al., 2007; Parker et al., 2008).  Respite care programs based in congregations and involving religious activities may have greater advantage in improving patients’ quality of life than non-religious settings (Idler, McLaughlin, & Kasl, 2009; Marche, 2006; Koenig, George, & Titus, 2004).  The purpose of this study is to understand characteristics of one model of congregation-based respite care program (RCP), to identify the keys to this model’s success and sustainability, and to describe the potentially significant role of social work in developing and providing congregation-based respite care.

Methods: The study participants included six service providers, four dementia patients, and two family caregivers, all of whom participated in the congregation-based respite care program at a Catholic church in a Southeastern city. The in-depth interviews and participant observations were conducted by an MSW student from University of ___ during a field placement from July 24, 2011 to May 3, 2012.  The qualitative data was analyzed using Multiple Case Study Analysis developed by Merriam (1998). Each interview was analyzed as a single case based on a cross-case analysis, then combined and compared on several factors such as personal experience with the RCP, program satisfaction, and related questions.

Findings: 1. The congregation members and the RCP participants have maintained a close relationship over a long period of time, and this provides patients with Alzheimer's a calm and family-like atmosphere 2. Because the congregation-based RCP was staffed by mostly volunteers, service users agree that this cost benefit results in higher program satisfaction even if it seems not to be structured. 3. The program is designed to address multiple dimensions of participants’ lives, including the emotional, spiritual, and physical. 4. The ability of volunteers is one of the key elements in running RCP. A congregation-based RCP program potentially benefits from various qualified volunteers among the congregation members.

Conclusion and Implications: The results have implications for congregational social workers as well as for researchers investigating the collaboration between social work and religion. Although the RCP was founded without social work involvement, there is emerging need for social work skills and knowledge to develop and sustain the RCP. For example, social workers can assist lay congregational leaders with program planning, volunteer recruitment, training, and supervision, and program evaluation. Furthermore, consistent with the purpose of the RCP, social workers can broaden the vision for addressing the needs of caregivers beyond the immediate program. By providing other types of support and assistance—in addition to the RCP—social workers can better meet the needs of caregivers and help sustain their caregiving.