|
|
|
As part of activities to mark United Nations International Day for elderly people on Ist October, Churches around the world have been asked to designate Sunday 29th September as a day of recognition for the contribution that the elderly make in their congregations.
Within the Presbyterian Church much of the involvement with elderly people is channelled through the Presbyterian Residential Trust which runs 7 homes for old people as well as providing sheltered accommodation.
Linda Shivers is secretary to the Trust. "Some 240 staff in our homes, six residential and one nursing, provide care for over 200 elderly people. Naturally our homes are run to the highest standards, but underlying what we do is a very strong Christian ethos, both in the day to day activities in the homes and also throughout our organisational structure. We are trying to put into practice what we see as part of the biblical command to treat our older people with dignity and respect . Staff aim too conduct themselves in such a way as to be consistent with the Christian faith, always remembering Jesus command to love other people as we love ourselves."
The Trust has encouraged all Presbyterian ministers to remember the elderly in their services this weekend and to consider the role that the older generation fulfil within their congregations.
Throughout the homes there will be special activities to mark the day including a video message from the Moderator who will bring the greetings of all the General Assembly to all the residents and staff of the homes.
"As the elderly population grows in size we see our work expanding over the next years and our plans include a new home specifically designed to accommodate the confused elderly and an increase in our sheltered dwelling accommodation. The trust is also looking for a new site to relocate one of its Belfast homes," added Ms Shivers.
The trust was established in 1949 and at present has homes in Londonderry, Portrush, Newcastle, Bangor, Omagh and two in Belfast. Its sheltered accommodation is located in Dublin and Belfast.
PCI Home . . . Press Office . . . News Archive