TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
S tatistically, an individual diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease might live another seven to ten years. On the other hand, that person’s spouse acting as their caregiver might only have three to five more years to live. Such is the physical and emotional toll caring for a dementia patient takes on a loved one. The Alzheimer’s Alliance Tri-state Area’s Our Place Day Respite Center is working to improve such outcomes by providing regular time off and much- needed rest for caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients. The patients, called “friends,” receive social and cognitive stimulation in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment. Everybody wins, including the many volunteers who help to staff the six-hour sessions three times a week. Our Place Day Respite Center is a cozy spot that, in many ways, resembles a residence. A large, cheery kitchen dominates the respite area; its tables are festively adorned with decorations appropriate to whatever holiday approaches. Volunteers are all smiles. Friends gather for games, snacks, crafts, and other activities. The volunteer-to- friend ratio is at least one to one. Music therapy is a favorite, and one volunteer observed it to be particularly effective. Guest performers come to share their vocal and instrumental talents, and friends become particularly engaged. “We have a friend who is non-verbal,” reported Arnold. “When the music for Amazing Grace came on, he started singing. He knew every word. It really was pretty amazing.” The stimulation friends receive during respite care enhances their quality of life in numerous ways. Many families notice improvements in appetite and sleep among participants; all report their loved ones are enthusiastic about coming to Our Place. And the caregivers? What do they do while their loved ones are at Our Place? They get respite, which is defined as a short period of rest or relief from something difficult. Caregivers might sleep, run errands or go to a movie. Freed from the constant demands of caregiving, they recharge their batteries. It is estimated that each day of respite adds 23 days to a caregiver’s life expectancy.
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COMMUNITY & CULTURE
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