January 25, 2008

Adults with dementia and Alzheimer’s need care, caregivers need a break

By Donna H. Eliason
Staff Writer

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s can seem like a never-ending responsibility and can lead to burnout. The Day Break Respite and Caregiver Support Services is a program that enhances the quality of life for both the caregiver and the adult with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Program Manager Amy Carlson celebrates with Migdalia Perez (center) on her birthday, while volunteer Bob Condrick plays guitar. Photo by D. H. Eliason

Sometimes because of a perceived stigma, misconceptions, denial or individual commitments, caregivers miss available opportunities for stimulating activities for their loved one and personal time. This program, sponsored by the Catholic Charities, is available at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 5111 San Felipe Road.

The program runs Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an early-bird program starting at 9:00 a.m. A lunch is included, based on senior nutrition needs. Activities include sing-a-longs accompanied by volunteer guitar players, inspirational read-aloud, bingo, exercises and games.

A sliding scale determines daily rates. Financial aid is available. At this time, space is available for newcomers.

One man with early stages of dementia was reluctant to attend. Initially he sat with crossed arms, resistant to the people and activities. Gradually he started to smile, get involved and soon was one of the most active participants. This program enhanced not only his life, but now his wife has some free time. Another reluctant lady first entered the building through the church pre-school area. Her anxiety changed to delight when the children joined the seniors for a birthday party.

Some adults caring for a parent with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, return home from work with personal guilt and stress, knowing their loved one has sat in front of the TV all day. They’re relieved and delighted to find a program that offers stimulation, fellowship and fun for their parents.

Amy Carlson, a 2006 Stanford graduate is the program manager for the three Bay Area Day Break centers, which includes the one at St. Francis of Assisi. Amy, who is from Chicago, took a class in her sophomore year on “Women and Aging” that changed her career focus. “I realized how universal the aging process is, how there are new issues as people live longer. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease has effects on the person, the family and the community.”

After graduation, Amy worked in the Menlo Park Veteran’s Hospital with the older veterans. “It was a wonderful experience, but very sad,” she says. Even though the men often didn’t remember her, “It was the moments with them that counted," she said. She remembers playing checkers with one man. Part way through the game she realized his checkers were disappearing, but she couldn’t find them. Finally she noticed he put them one by one in his mouth. That was her last checkers game!

With her mother as a nurse, Amy decided at eight years of age she wanted to be in healthcare. She’s had close relationships with both sets of grandparents. Now she tries to call her surviving grandfathers weekly. During her summers at Stanford, Amy, along with her mother and younger sister, worked for a month in two Thailand orphanages. While her mom worked with HIV patients, the sisters helped with other children. “I always liked working with people,” she says.

“We consider this program a social club, not a day care,” says Amy, who enjoys interacting with the patients. “I just love them all.”

Volunteers are needed for the program. Marcia is a volunteer transportation director who is in charge of 20 drivers for home-bound people needing a ride to the doctor's or for groceries. The driver volunteer waits while the patient sees the doctor and helps with shopping.

Training is also provided for volunteers willing to help with in-home respite, so family members can get out for a period of time. Volunteers are needed to share a talent, a skill or just assist with the program. Call the Day Break program at the church: 208-270-4900.