Respite care available at senior center provides much needed breaks for caregivers, fun time for seniors
Being a dedicated and loving caregiver to someone with Alzheimer’s Disease or other types of dementia is a very generous and very involved commitment.
Finding the time and means for self care can be very difficult as a caregiver, but the Age-and Dementia-Friendly Winnemucca Project (ADF), a partner of Dementia Friendly Nevada, and the Pleasant Senior Center, located on Lay St., work together to create a free and purposeful time for caretakers to get much needed breaks every Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
“Respite care means providing a break for a caregiver so that the caregiver can enjoy time — to run errands, shop, or just catch up with life. Respite offers a safe place for loved ones to spend time taking part in activities and interaction,” said Gini Cunngingham, Project Coordinator for Respite, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Awareness, and ADF, in an email.
The ADF is a volunteer-driven group which strives to cultivate “communities that are respectful, educated, supportive, and inclusive of people living with dementia and their care partners.”
The respite for caregivers not only provides a break for caretakers, but a special time for seniors to interact socially and get some physical movement — in a safe, clean and loving environment. Volunteers such as Maria Benogchea, Cathy Irons, and Cunningham herself make sure that seniors feel welcome and are engaged. Seniors are able to make crafts, play games, move around, sing, converse, and enjoy time together.
“People with Alzheimer’s or dementia, especially when identified early, still enjoy freedom, fun, conversation, and a sense of autonomy. It’s time to dispel the notion that individuals experiencing cognitive decline are not interested in life and living. They have so much value to give to each of us if we just express open-mindedness and caring,” said Cunningham.
Caregivers often sacrifice much of their time taking care of others, which can make taking care of themselves seem impossible or unnecessary, but it is vital to both them and their caree.
“Caregiving is often a 24/7 commitment, especially with family living elsewhere or occupied with their own lives. Taking care of a loved one — young or older — requires full-time attention and is exhausting. Research shows that because of this stress and worry, caregivers often precede a loved one in death. The responsibilities are just too overwhelming,” explained Cunningham.
Research also shows that “one in three seniors passes away with Alzheimer’s or other dementia”, and “80 percent of Americans know little or nothing about mild cognitive impairment which may be signs of early Alzheimer’s disease,” according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
With the high prevalence of cognitive impairment, the lack of knowledge regarding dementia can make it hard for caregivers and carees to get the rest and engagement that they both need. Even if a caregiver does not feel like they need a break, it can be surprisingly refreshing and even if a caree does not express immediate interest in social interaction, making time for both is very important.
“Many times caregivers tell me “We’re doing fine” and oftentimes they are. They simply do not realize how uplifting respite can be, especially when the loved one is with people they trust. Others do not realize that this service is available - at no cost.”
Devoted family members make up a large majority of those who care for the elderly who have Alzheimer’s or dementia, meaning that these caregivers are unlikely to be paid for their efforts.
“Over 11 million caregivers provide unpaid care for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia - that’s about 16 billion hours that if paid would equal $272 billion,’ according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
It is thanks to many of the wonderful volunteers and caring people that the community has access to such a great and valuable service.
“The Center is safe, clean, and welcoming. Director Brandie Pettis has made this an ideal locale for our respite endeavor,” said Cunningham.
ADF will be hosting a special six week class for caregivers, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, in person or virtually every Wednesday from Jan. 4 through Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Pleasant Senior Center. Topics covered include: overcoming negative self-talk, communicating true feelings, coping with difficult emotions, and making decisions. To register for the class, call Tori Diego at 702-616-4912.