Easterseals Respite Program Brings Peace of Mind
By Natalie Scott
For caregivers like Rachel, who is caring for her mom, caregiving is exhausting. Her mom, Sharon, has a type of dementia that affects her vision but, thankfully, does not affect her joy. Fortunately, with the help of Easterseals’ Community Outreach Program, Rachel and Sharon found renewed joy in a program called Hands of Hope, a respite program in Middletown, DE, tailored to offer relief to caregivers and a safe, nurturing environment for those affected by dementia, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
“I reached out to Easterseals looking for resources to help my mom with engagement and socialization,” Rachel says. “I knew Easterseals would help direct me in the right direction.”
Developed through a partnership between Easterseals and Bethesda United Methodist Church, with support from the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter, the Hands of Hope Respite Program is offered at the church from nine to noon every other Saturday. With the assistance of community volunteers, participants engage in activities such as music, games, movement exercises, art, and mission projects. This respite ministry is designed for participants who are independent, ambulatory, and capable of attending to their own personal care needs.
“I love this program because my mom loves it so much,” Rachel says. “It brings me joy to see my mom so happy, and it is wonderful to watch her in the program. It is also nice for me to take a break from the constant stress. It is nice to disengage from each other and come back together refreshed.”
While her mom enjoys activities and interacting with the volunteers, Rachel can take a break and catch up on errands and chores around the house. Recently, she used the break to go out to breakfast with her husband and her brother, who was visiting from out of town.
Family caregivers are encouraged to visit Hands of Hope for free for the first session to determine whether it is the right fit for their loved one. There is a small fee for subsequent sessions. However, assistance may be available.
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, there are more than 34 million family caregivers in the U.S. One of the greatest needs of these caregivers is respite or a temporary relief for caregivers and families who are caring for children or adults with disabilities, chronic or terminal illness, or the elderly.
Along with resources from Easterseals’ Community Outreach program, Rachel receives respite grant funding from Easterseals, which can be used to help pay for Hands of Hope. Rachel and Sharon are also exploring Easterseals Adult Day program since Sharon is thriving in the respite program.
“Easterseals is amazing with so many programs. Easterseals’ staff is experienced and knowledgeable. They provide programs for people with different challenges, and they bring joy,” Rachel says.
For information on Hands of Hope and the many other services Easterseals offers to support caregivers, call 302-221-2076 (NC) or 302-253-1129 (Milford) to connect with our knowledgeable staff.
Easterseals offers a range of other services, including children’s therapies, assistive technology, recreational camping, day programs for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities and respite services for caregivers. For more information on all of their services, go to EastersealsDeMd.org.
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