WISE HEARTS AGING and CARGIVER SUPPORT MINISTRY Providing comfort and training for older adults and their caregivers. This is a resource for families and caregivers of older adults, responding to the need for insight, spiritual sensitivity, skills and understanding among those who are aging.

Getting better acquainted

I’m Jerry Essex, living in Jenison Michigan.  I am married to the young lady I met in undergraduate school, Phyllis, and we have kept our commitment to each other for 59 years. I thank God every day for the blessing of loving and caring for Phyllis since she has suffered three strokes. We are closer than ever, and I am fully aware of how God brings us through deep waters to learn more and be shaped to become His servant for others. In addition, we provided elder care for my mother and my in-law parents during their declining years. Later in my professional career I provided personalized training for assisted living, nursing home and other professional providers.

As your Ordained Chaplain I can serve as your

• Support person where I’m needed
  • private homes
  • assisted living facilities
  • nursing homes
  • extended family members most anywhere
• Wedding officiant
• Pre-wedding consultation or counseling
• Funeral officiant
• Funeral and committal service planning
• Home visits for older adults
• Hospital visits

On-site Training Services

As your resource person,

• Nurses
• CNAs
• Hospice staff
• Social workers
• In-home support professionals

and others can count on my extensive experience to share practical resources and skills for effectively helping older adults in their care.

Ministry in the lives of older adults and their caregivers

I love finding encouragement for older adults and their caregivers in the Bible. Of course, there are many references I could share here; but here are some examples of the comfort our souls can find.

Psalms 131:2 But I have stilled and quieted my soul…

In the New Testament we find more evidence of how God provides for peace such as Jesus and the Soul.

Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls…

During more than 40 years of my career, much of my experience included managing and teaching in mental health programs, finally working for about a decade in the field of gerontology, teaching caregivers to work effectively with older adults. The highlights of my work are in teaching groups and individuals how to engage others with respect, honesty, empathy, and communication skills to show care and understanding.  Jesus taught us to be known by how we love one another, and this was a primary guiding  mantra for my teaching and helping years.