The Unexpected Benefits of Volunteering at an Adult Day Respite Center
NEXT AVENUE May 25, 2023
I never expected to become more patient or receive a master class in gratitude, but I continue to learn from the experience.
ALMOST 11% OF AMERICANS over sixty-five have Alzheimer's. With cases expected to double during my lifetime; I realized the odds of becoming a patient or caregiver were too high to ignore. So, I volunteered at our community program, Adult Day Respite Care, to learn while helping.
Respite Care provides caregivers a rest while the person with Alzheimer's receives care in a safe, supportive environment. Respite care can be provided in-home, in long-term care facilities, or in adult day centers.
In our community program, two volunteers serve meals and assist a staff member with social time, exercise, games, and crafts. Our clients vary from age-related mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to more severe cases.
