2. To what extent are you satisfied with the way the Liaison relationship is addressing your pastoral and health care needs?

Transcription

1 2. To what extent are you satisfied with the way the Liaison relationship is addressing your pastoral and health care needs? 18 Awesome liaison/very supportive/ She listens is knowledgeable, advises wisely, spiritual, follows through on a situation that requires it goes the extra mile/available when needed/a phone call away, and always responds when I call/always recognized with cards, visits and phone calls/always ready to listen/ Always available whenever I need to talk to her/ Presence, concern frequent check-ins/there when I need her/great help when needed/ very approachable and helpful /She always cares but not overpowering/quick response is always forthcoming/ Have no problem in calling when I need to/ Very helpful in advising me about 2 situations/given me advice when I have asked for it about surgery/follows through and shows up once in a while/i find her to be there for me or if out of town has another person lined up in case of an emergency to aid in my care/found it very reassuring to know the help was there when needed/ Find it helpful to know that she is available 18 Little or no needs/she would be there if I needed her 8 Pastoral and health care needs are met here at the Motherhouse/Needs are taken care of by other sisters/i have friends to do that/i get my pastoral needs met elsewhere and would only use one for health but that is not her field/my liaison lives an 1&1/2 hours away. She stays in touch by phone. The SC's who are near, help each other/my liaison and my DPA are close friends which simplifies matters I was not free to choose a Liaison of choice. It was an either/or. A weak model...most liaisons are working full time with little time to "accompany" you/ Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied/i'm neither satisfied, nor dissatisfied. It seems to be a neutral relationship. If I make contact, it happens. If not, no conversation exists. I am dissatisfied because I think this position makes "leadership of the whole" or adult behavior in decisionmaking more difficult. Personally I am satisfied but as I observe the needs and situations of other Sisters I do not feel that the Liaison relationship is adequate. I believe a Health Coordinator (or more than one) is needed.. I have no problem with the liaison relationship but I do feel that the sisters that are dealing with ageing issues and are becoming more and more fragile need a person that is solely responsible for directing a sister's welfare and safety. I believe the liaison role could be carried about by our leadership council members. We need to re-assess the small groups. 3. To what extent do you feel free to contact your Liaison? Free to contact her at any time; Just a phone call away; Answers a call as soon as possible; Always has time; Always willing to help; There when I need her; Always available within a day; Perfectly free - anytime day or night; Comfortable when I contact Sister and she informs me if she won't be available; Called, ed, and sent notes, and she responds quickly; Very approachable, Has indicated that I can contact her at any time I feel the need to do so. Excellent rapport and communication; Non-judgmental attitude toward all - concerned but not nosey; Open, easy to talk to and is a good listener and gives her input which is helpful;

2 Visits me weekly; Checks in with me about every 5-6 weeks; I feel free but really haven't had much occasion to do so; There has been little need (3); I have other non-sc supports in my life that I probably would contact first She now indicates that I'm bothering her unnecessarily or that she's too busy to listen; I always hesitate because she has soooooo many Sisters; She is very busy and seems to have a difficult time listening; Communication has been one way...with very little liaison follow through; She is the primary caretaker for another sister so I pretty much assume she is not free to respond if needed; We don't have the kind of relationship that I would use a liaison for; I feel no connection 4. How would you describe the level of interaction between your Liaison and you? She keeps personal contact and seems to be aware of special needs that may occur; Periodically checks with me to see how things are going in my life; Comfortable with her; Non-judgmental, understanding, compassionate, interested; Hears what is said, leaves decision to the person-very respectful; Remembers my birthday and special days, gong out of her way to send cards and messages even though I know how busy she is; Makes me feel as if I am more than a name on her list.;good listener - good advisor; trust and openness and understanding; Extremely helpful in my move to MMH; Always contacted me when I've had family situations; Makes opportunities for us to relate if a need arises; I know I can call her - don't need more than that; No aggression, just comfortable; No special needs, just normal interchanges when we meet; Not pushy and doesn't try to take over; It feels ok. I'm pretty independent, but realize the communal dimension is an essential piece of our vowed life; Very comfortable; No official interaction - get lovely cards for holidays; Super helpful in time of needotherwise occasional touching base for updating;. I appreciated how she respected my privacy and personal choices; Reached out to me several times a year to check in and this was fine; She communicates by e mail when going out of town. I am comfortable not having a lot of interaction. Should the liaison be contacting me periodically? I've had no reason to contact her; Again, because she has too many Sisters - I don't want to bother her with my "pain"... because of her overload; Only let her know when I go to the hospital, that s my level of interaction; Uninvolved by my choice I do not have a great need to contact our Liaison, but she is always willing to assist any of us; Again - little need; I really haven't needed the assistance of my liaison except for one medical procedure; I only answered because we had no contact; She tries to tell me every move to make and then some; My Liaison doesn't seem to have enough time to be involved 5. In this model, you can change your Liaison. Are you interested in doing so? I will have to change since my liaison has retired as liaison (7); Of necessity, I will have to change. I do so reluctantly; Need to since she is not continuing as liaison-would not otherwise; I have to because my liaison is becoming part of the Leadership team; I will need a new Liaison person now that I am in MMH-AL; Change of residence. Probably waiting to see who our liaisons will be; Depends upon who new liaisons are; If I can choose and who would meet my needs

3 The process has worked very well for me; I'm all right with the relationship. Would be different to begin a new one, so don't fix what isn't broken; I would be okay with a change; I hope she remains my liaison; A change can sometimes be good; In no way; We are a perfect match for each other; My Liaison may not be available so I will change but I am not ready to do that; I want to stay with the Liaison I have had as we have a comfortable relationship and I trust her and respect her; She already knows me and what is happening in my life. Keeping her is important at this stage of my life; Only if she lived closer; Not enough experience, or self-motivation; I do not know how this would help; I don't need to be smothered - I'm capable of taking care of myself; After moving to the Motherhouse I feel it is no longer needed; I would only use it for health reasons and would want somebody who is in that area;. I believe the liaison role can be fulfilled by members of the leadership council. I have been discerning to become a Liaison myself, but the present structure is too nebulous...with demand on some liaisons way beyond the energy I could give 6. What are your expectations of a Liaison? Be available when needed; Providing assistance when needed; Assist when assistance is needed; When I need assistance to lead me in the right direction; Available to talk and give advice; To be reasonably available and assist if help is needed; Be there for me when I would need advice or help; To be available if needed, whether to refer or assist personally; Be available when I need to talk something over; Be there when I need her; Available for consultation especially for medical support; Presence when needed; Be there when I need her; Be available to support the individual sister when she has the need and, if necessary to assist her in receiving the assistance she needs; That she will be there for me when I need her and if she cannot take care of my need she will find someone who can; Available when needed; Available when I need her; Presence and availability to my needs when unusual circumstances present themselves; Respond to me if I need her; Availability when I need to discuss ministry, health or personal concerns; Be present, available for extraordinary life events, transitions, deaths in the family Support; To be supportive; To be understanding and meet my needs when a situation comes along. Part of my support system; To be there if needed for support. To listen and let me be me; Sincere interest in Sister and an occasional check - especially when one is in daily pain; Someone I can go to if I have questions or need direction; Source of information and/or support when needed; Show support and kindness; Just to be there; Willing to share troubles in any situation; To be a very caring, loving and supportive person who knows when to reach out and when to stand back and wait and see; Support when needed - good listener and mutual, creative problem solving; Supportive to me as I take responsibility for my own health; Supportive...source of guidance and information...truth teller...enabler; Support and advice when I need it; To show concern and support; Support as needed - help in navigating congregational procedures; Supportive and perhaps directive if I need to make a decision; A supportive relationship; Someone who is caring and interested in community; Spiritually caring, knowing the concerns of my heart; 2-way communications but I think the initial communication begins with me; I would like to be able to communicate with her when necessary; Be available for me to consult or talk aloud the things on my mind Have interest and time to listen; Be a listener available; To listen and to help with any discernment as needed; Someone who listens and understands... and knows how to assist when needed or find the necessary assistance; Good listener, willing to give helpful suggestions about situations that arise, recommends next step in a difficult problem; Has a listening ear; Careful listening and appropriate availability and support; Someone who is open, listens well, uses good judgment, knows Community policy; To talk with me and not take over but be willing to listen and help where needed; Serves as a listening ear when I feel I have an important decision to make;

4 Respect, affirmation, confidentiality, available if needed, treated age appropriately; Help me by listening to my requests and suggest some ideas regarding request or where to go for help or just talk; Kind and understanding - good listener; Listens well to her sister's needs; Friendly outlook on life; Friendly listener; Listen, be compassionate, objective and offer advice if needed Be aware of physical needs; Meet all my needs; To touch base with me periodically and to assist if necessary in my healthcare needs, such as a Drs. appointment if I am unable to drive; Someone who can assist me in medical situations where no one should be alone; Well informed of my medical issues and communicate them accurately to Leadership; She will stay involved and be supportive until a medical situation is resolved; A contact person representing 'congregation' whom I give info to regarding health and other significant facts which I believe are important to relay; To be aware of important issues occurring in my life; An important person when it is time to make a change; Assist me when I am in need. Keeping me connected with doctors if needed As is; pastoral and health care needs; Meet with me as necessary regarding pastoral or health care needs; For personal and health needs; Helping to plan for health care needs and ministry/life transitions; A concerned sister & friend, if I need to pass something by another sister. If I need help, I can call her to care and guide me to take some action if needed; Connect the Sister with someone who is able to help; find someone to help me if I need help; One who is open, compassionate, relates well and has time; Is organized. Is concerned. Has a sense of humor. Is CONFIDENTIAL. Treats her sister with respect and as an EQUAL; Is patient; An advocate; Show interest and concern for Sisters' well-being; Show interest and make contact; To be someone I can feel comfortable with enough to contact if or when it is necessary to do so; Compassion, knowledgeable, friendly, trusting... knowing when to be there but not intrusive; Trust worthy and with whom I can feel free to talk to; A person would really feel a close connection to, knowing that she can be trusted with personal info and circumstances; To be helpful if needed; A helper and advisor for medical needs; Available when needed and able to provide other resources, if needed; To be responsive if and when I need her; If I need help, I can call her to care and guide me to take some action if needed; Letting another person know that there is always an S.C. who is interested in her and her and her situation; Help me when I want it; Address my needs when necessary but do not interfere; Journeying together toward my spiritual growth and healthy well-being; She will be following me on my journey be, it physical, spiritual, or pain or joy; Just to walk with me, as long as I can make good, clear decisions for myself To be a connector between myself and the Executive Council; a connection between me and the Leadership team when needed; Contact with leadership; To be the connection between me and leadership; Is a go between government and individual sisters. This is a necessary component; If needs come up, it is helpful to have someone in the congregation to contact; Be the hub for information - she carries information from the leadership to us and we respond and what is appropriate gets back to leadership For me, just periodic meetings or lunch together; Once a year phone call or visit; To be interested in me as a person and to initiate a phone call once in a while to be sure I still exist; A good friend!; To check in once in a while and to reply reasonably soon after getting a message; At this point, we just touch base when changes are going on; I'd like her to take me out occasionally - shopping, out to eat; Expect that the Liaison contact me at least once a year; I would like the liaison to have at least 2 conversations with me annually. Call together the group for meetings and assist in helping in decision making.

5 I expect care and to be treated like an intelligent adult. I am a sister not a child, I also do not want my life to be gossiped about. When I hear others talked about, I wonder what is said about me behind my back. I do not want to hear "the girls behaved" and "my charges"; To assist when requested and to refrain from interfering otherwise; Treat me like an adult; I get more help from my spiritual director; I am able to take care of my own Health Care and Pastoral needs. Thank God; Living at the Motherhouse, my health care needs have been cared for by the clinic; Since the liaison does have other responsibilities such as other ministries, I do not see them spending the increased time it takes to deal with sisters that are having real ageing issues especially if the liaison is not living near the sister. Having family and friends available if a need arises makes a difference as in my case; I haven't needed any special assistance; I have close sister friends and family in the area. I was sufficiently "covered" when I ended up hospitalized recently. Were that not true, I would have called my liaison; Eliminate the middle person - we are a small enough community at this stage. A leadership council member can serve as contact person for each member of our community. Would prefer to have a nurse (of choice) given my age and health issues; Definition of the Liaison model has been very vague...i feel "forced" to have little expectations; Not sure because, as I said, I have not really had to avail myself of her services; I have not needed my liaison to date I would hope all who volunteer for the role of Liaison truly take the functions seriously. Listening to the individual, responding truthfully to the individual, making hard decisions when necessary, yet always considering the individual Sister's desires. 7. How could this governance model be improved? The model is fine; It's fine; It is fine for me; Model is fine; Satisfactory as it is; OK for me; It works for me; Serves me well; Good to me right now; I find it very good; It's satisfactory; Seems to be working fine; Worked OK for me; I like it as it exists today; I think it is fine as it is; I am satisfied the way mine is; Has been a good addition; I think it is fine as it is; Fine as it is; I'm satisfied; OK as is; Seems fine to me; Fine with it as is; Model would be okay if individual sister could choose and not be given an either/or I believe that we need one or two trained health professionals as Health Coordinators who will provide assistance and advice to both Liaison and Leadership Council; Have a health provider that would be helpful to the liaisons if they are not health provider themselves; In conjunction with our MH Clinic, to hire or assign a nurse to be available to the liaisons of those outside the Motherhouse or individuals who need medical advice or assistance; Nurses are needed to address the many healthcare needs of our Sisters. I don't rely on the liaison to fulfill or help my pastoral - healthcare needs; Is it true that most Liaisons are dealing with Health Care/Medical needs of our aging Sisters. If that is true -has there been any consideration of getting nurses or licensed LPN to assist with Medical needs; Has there been conversations with leadership about better ways to address some of the health, aging needs of the Sisters; I am aware that some liaisons have heavier responsibilities for Sisters than others because of health issues, aging process... Is the liaison expected to do too much; Having a medical person to contact for questions I can't answer or my liaison; Maybe we should hire someone to take care of the Health Care issues; Appoint one person in each area to meet the health care needs of the sisters; I remember a few years ago there was mention of a full-time health care professional for the needs of the Sisters. There does seem to be many health issues among the Sisters, so maybe something of that nature could be looked at; Maybe someone with a nursing background could be appointed as an over-seer of the Sister's medical issues; There needs to be another "structure" level...employing a paid health care person or team to refer healthcare issues for follow through and communication to Leadership; I think one or two trained healthcare professions to assist with and help to make decisions concerning health needs; Have designated health provider; I think we need to

6 hire a nurse or nurses; This is all about health as I see from the recent experience. Sisters with jobs don't have time or background; Health Care support. I do not need this because I am a nurse but other sisters who are facing serious health concerns need someone who can assist them in understanding information that is given to them so that they can make an informed decision regarding their health care needs; Governance overall can be fluid. This specific area of governance works for me but age and health needs make a difference Make sure that liaisons have a reasonable number to be responsible for; It seems many Liaisons are "overtaxed." Liaisons should not to be over loaded so that she will not become over whelmed; I believe we are aware that more Sisters are needed for this special self-giving; Would guess if you had a lot of needs it might get overwhelming for the liaison to have too many people; It seems some liaisons are responsible for too many Sisters; Better distribution--some liaisons are responsible for only 3, 4, 5--while others have over 2 dozen plus; Fewer Sisters per Liaison, especially if the Liaison has a full time job; For sure it sounds like the number of sisters "assigned" to any one liaison should be limited - particularly for full time employed Sisters. For those retired it might be different. Tricky solution for personal needs; Only in not overburdening those willing to take on this ministry; I think the liaisons are fine -- but insufficient to meet the needs of the sisters in terms of social and spiritual connections that we used to have under the network system; I hear that some liaisons are pressured with overload. We need to look at their needs, too; Reduce the number of sisters some liaisons have. I know a few who seem to be always responding; I would suggest having a limit on the number of sisters each liaison has for better balance - some have quite a few people and some have only 3 or 4; More SC's willing to be liaisons; Guess we need more liaisons?; Do we have a sufficient number of liaisons? Who ministers to them? Clearer guidelines Criteria for involvement; Liaison might have certain criteria. For example 1. initial visit 2. depends on this; The current responsibilities of the Liaison needs to be revisited. For example is the Liaison responsibility to pack a Sister's belongings, dispose of the furniture, clearing-out the dwelling, closing bank accounts, etc when a Sister needs to go to a Care Facility? I saw and hear of Sisters living alone who cannot function independently; Perhaps for all a printed document of what a liaison's duties are - not possible for all queries but general categories would be helpful as situations arise; Define the term "governance model" and structure the liaison role accordingly; It seems that individuals can switch liaisons frequently (sometimes predicated on answers received or needed). The rationale for changing liaisons, etc. should allow for sensitive sharing so that needs are met without "working the system" and getting what one wants (i.e. new car, personal needs, etc); An emerging issue seems to be added level of care or services needed by an individual sister...who does not recognize the need...or resists any change. May need clarification and professional assistance in developing a process to accomplish. It seems this would be an issue for Leadership team to explore and research; Listen to the input of the liaison person re the individual sister as her advocate; Have the liaison meet directly with each Sister she represents at least once a year in a private and intentional conversation. This would provide an automatic way to assess how the Sister really is and if she is experiencing new issues of health, housing, etc; Some may need encouragement to keep open communication with their liaison; The sister communicating more with the Liaison, completing the forms. Just talking to the Liaison; It is a question rather than a suggestion. When at a distance ( from the Motherhouse ) do the Liaisons have the authority needed to implement their responsibilities? Be sure liaisons understand need for confidentiality; Stressing confidentiality and not at the lunch table (or anywhere)be giving unnecessary info about any one Sister which gives way to speculation and even rumors and judgments; Perhaps, leadership has to emphasize a little more that a Liaison doesn't need to make statements to others about "her girls". "How hard it is". "I had to drive all the way..." "I cleaned out Sister's so and so place. It was a mess." These were actual statements (and more) made to me by other Sisters about Liaisons. I think we need to emphasize the MUTUAL relationship and responsibility--it's a gift of presence, NOT being IN CHARGE--it's a privilege, not a burden. It's saying, "I'm happy to do that" My preference was and is our "Townhall"; Little interaction with other Sisters as in former model. We have plenty of opportunities in AL but not with MH or other areas. Once a year at fall meetings doesn't do it; It would seem that more provided interaction with other sisters would be helpful --ie. topical discussion times, fun

7 times, networking with others; Have networks for social and community interactions. Networks are much missed!!!! We see the liaisons in another light that way also; I think it's working for what it is designed to do. It is not at present a social program. Those are some needs that should be addressed; Set up network type groups for people to address other personal needs such as interacting regularly and celebrating occasions. Re-assess small groups PLEASE!!!! I believe leadership council members can serve the liaison role more effectively for our community at this time. I would like a member of the leadership team to come and visit me. When we are far away, even though things go well, it is still hard not seeing a Charity face in person; More visibility of Executive Council to the Sisters once report of Liaison warrants it; How much authority does Liaison have with taking our concerns to executive leadership I wish we could be more proactive regarding community living arrangements. This applies both to sisters moving back to Cincinnati after sometimes decades away (if they don't want to live alone, they have to coordinate their own way of finding a community to live with), facilitating the establishment of a second community house available to sisters in formation (I volunteered to be part of such a house, and no one ever even called me back one way or the other), and stewarding physical structures (I hear that one of the Schwartze houses is under-utilized). This would not be just the liaison's job - or the Council's either - but it is something we need to address. I find the lack of openness in regard to who are Liaison for which Sisters is troublesome. I understand some need for privacy, but we are family; Allow people in the Finance office to know who they should contact when a situation arises. I don't understand why this is such a big problem? I think we need a full time person to be a liaison to respond immediately for Sisters who have significant needs. Sisters with full time ministry, like myself, cannot ignore present commitments to respond in a suitable time as a liaison if needs arise. And it is always unpredictable when needs will arise. Please consider a full time person. Then other liaisons could have a much smaller group of Sisters to be responsible to/for. 12 Not sure (I'd like to hear what the Liaisons have to say.) 7 No Suggestions.