By BOBBIE GREEN
The Progress
The Respite Care program at the Mesquite Senior Center has proven to be a win-win situation for all involved.
The program started last September when three-day-per-week caregivers were encouraged to bring their loved ones with mental or physical disabilities to the center for 2-hours of mental stimulation and games.
Program coordinator Debbie Ayers is the Senior Day Care Center coordinator and is a 25-year veteran of Home Health Care experience.
Ayers said that the new program has been successful thus far. In fact, with input from the caregivers, the program has expanded and is being offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. This gives the caregivers more time to run errands. In addition, the center realized it takes a little longer to organized this large group to accomplish each of the different activities.
The participants’ caregivers are giving feedback that their loved ones look forward to going to the center and participate in the activities. They don’t want to miss a day, caregivers say.
Ayers said that her Respite Care group has recently started playing chair volleyball. “They do very well and love to play,” she said.
Ayers and her new assistant Jody McCarron keep the participants active and happy during the 3-hour period. Participants also receive a snack and lunch during the program.
“We are so happy with the progress of this program,” Ayers said. “It has benefited all of us. We are looking forward to having even more participants.”
Ayers went on to say that any seniors suffering disability, even depression, is eligible for this program. But all participants must be able to use the bathroom facilities on their own, she said.
The program is funded by grant money and donations. “The community has been very generous to us,” Ayers said. “They have donated many useful items, electronic items, Wii games, craft items, puzzles and more.”
The respite team will be giving a presentation on their program at Sun City on July 12 at 2 PM. Anyone interested in the program can contact Aylers at the Mesquite Senior Center 702-346-5290
