Ministry planning — not caregiving certification

Church Senior Ministry Support Planner

Plan respectful senior support for churches without medical or caregiver overreach.

Volunteer boundaries: Volunteers should not provide medical care, handle medications, lift or transfer people without authorized training, enter unsafe homes, or be pressured into care tasks they are not trained or authorized to perform. Follow church leadership policy.

Senior ministry support should be loving, respectful, and safe. Volunteers should never be pressured into duties they are not trained or authorized to perform.

Ministry setting

Main support need

Volunteer readiness

Any warning signs? (select all that apply)

Select a ministry setting to generate your support plan.

Church Senior Ministry Support Checklist

0/9

Assigned one specific volunteer contact per senior being supported

Communicated concerns to family — not publicly in congregation

Volunteers did not provide medical care, handle medications, or lift/transfer people

Volunteers were not pressured into unsafe or unauthorized care responsibilities

Emergency contacts for each senior known and accessible to assigned volunteer

Accessibility seating and pathways kept clear during services and events

Suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation reported to authorities — not handled by volunteers

Medical emergency: called 911 immediately — did not attempt treatment

Support planning only — not caregiving certification or official care program

This guide is designed to help volunteers prepare and troubleshoot basic issues. For permanent wiring, electrical loads, mounted equipment, rigging, livestream licensing, or safety-sensitive installations, consult qualified professionals.

Know When to Call a Pro

Medical emergency: call 911 immediately. Suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation: contact emergency services or adult protective services. Fall with injury: call 911. Contact church leadership for all escalated concerns.

See full safety guide →