Fall 2009 - Presbyterian Homes & Services

Abiding in Faith,
Hope & Love
Abiders bring compassion and companionship
to those facing death.
Valerie Warkel, volunteer
at Presbyterian Homes of
Roseville, has been sitting
for nearly two hours at the
bedside of a resident.
There is no conversation between them,
but the silence speaks volumes. Valerie is
an Abider; trained to provide part of the
spiritual care given to residents in the last
days and hours of their lives. The Abiders
Ministry, dedicated to attending to these
residents as well as their families, reflects
Presbyterian Homes & Services’ (PHS)
respect for residents and for life itself.
The Abiders Ministry emerges from the
heart of the PHS mission to provide
holistic support through every chapter
in the lives of older adults. “It’s all part
of the human experience,” said Cal
Cooper, Chaplain at Roseville. He feels
the program is essential in making sure
the dying are not left alone in their final
moments. “We sometimes have people
with no family, or the family lives out of
the area,” Cooper said, adding that family
members may also need to leave the side
of a resident, temporarily, to go to work
or simply to take a break. This is where an
Abider comes in.
A gentle touch provides comfort and grace
as Valerie Warkel attends at bedside.
Abiders attend to residents who are dying
when family members are not able to be
present. An Abider sits with a resident
for a two-hour shift. Sometimes they talk
with the resident – or, if the resident can
no longer speak, the Abider is there as a
presence, simply offering companionship.
This might be holding their hand, giving
a caring touch to their arm, playing quiet
perspectives 17