Adult Day programs can help families who are struggling with dementia or whose loved ones’ physical impairments prohibits them from staying home alone. Today the sandwich generation is trying to juggle caregiver responsibilities for the young and the old. Many people are trying to keep their families whole and intact. Keeping loved ones at home and out of nursing home care can be difficult for people who have aging parents who have Alzheimer’s, some form of dementia, or physical or psychological challenges. Many families just need a helping hand, somewhere safe and stimulating for their loved ones to stay while they go to work, do errands, or just have some time for a needed break so they can continue to provide care.
For people in Franklin and Northern Grand Isle Counties Club Respite offers an exciting opportunity for caregivers to receive support while providing a warm and friendly environment for people who can not be safely left home alone. With support from the community and grants from the state Club Respite recently moved to their new home in Franklin Park West in St. Albans. This new modern facility will allow Club Respite to accept more people in their Adult Day program and will allow a greater diversity of activities to help their clients remain stimulated and happy.
Club Respite has more than doubled its space and has created a homelike environment with a kitchen, dining room, living room, an arts & crafts room, and a quiet room for people who would like some quiet time. Sue Chase, Executive Director of Club Respite, is particularly happy that they were able to incorporate an indoor circular-walking path. Many people with dementia will pace and without a walking path many people would spend the day walking back and forth running into doors and walls but with this new space they have an opportunity to safely walk on the circular path.
According to Chase, “Adult Day is the best kept secret in long term care.” Without Adult Day many families would be forced to place loved ones in nursing homes. Club Respite has about 30 people on the average day, and they are hoping with the new facility they can accommodate up to 50 people. Some people spend 2 or 3 days a week and some spend as much as 5 days a week. Though people of all ages with cognitive, physical, or psychological impairments are eligible for Adult Day the vast majority are seniors, the average age is 73.
Over 70% of Club Respite clients have some form of dementia. A trained staff of nurses ensure quality care of participants. Not only does Club Respite provide a safe haven it also provides stimulating programs and helps combat depression with socialization, and slows cognitive degeneration with mental stimulation. Clients enjoy arts & crafts, cooking demos, playing cards, bingo, and talking about how things were when they were young. According to Chase many families feel Club Respite “is a lifesaver, they wouldn’t be able to do it with Club Respite and they have been able to keep family members home longer than anticipated.” For many families without Adult Day programs they would be facing either quitting their jobs or placing their loved one in a nursing home.
Community support ,both through monetary donations and volunteer recruitment has enabled Club Respite to make this move. The Humane Society brings in their pets for the guests to enjoy their company. A local hairdresser volunteers her time to work with the guests. In addition, a number of volunteers help with planning and organizing activities. More volunteers and donations are always needed.
Staff at Club Respite work with families to access the needs of the client and to find options for paying for Adult Day. A number of clients of Adult Day receive support from the VA, state programs, and private insurance.
For Sue Chase this new building is a dream come true. People are encouraged to stop by for a tour. As Chase likes to say “take us for a test drive, lift our hood, and kick our tires.” Adult Day programs like Club Respite can add to the quality of life for both the senior who needs a little help and the caregiver who needs some support.
For information on Club Respite or to schedule a tour, contact Lise Comeau at 527-0548Sarah Lemnah writes on senior issues for the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging. This article originally appeared in the Burlington Free Press.
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