Parish
Caregiver Respite, Continued
RECEIVED Wed., Nov. 2, 2011
Dear Editor,
I am of the opinion after working in the health care industry with our elders that day programs which allow for care during the day and the ability to return home to families in the evening is one of the most compassionate choices we can make in our elder care options. It is through respect, reverence, and patience of our elders that we learn the most about our own humanity. They are the greatest teachers we will have the opportunity to meet, and the decisions we as a nation have made about supply safety and institutional care environments have stolen elderhood from our grandparents. It is time we rethink the health care options for our elderly. We could solve many challenges related to the youth of America and their need for attention, support, and love with programs that simply allow for interaction between children and seniors. There are nursing homes with kindergarten programs taking place within their walls, assisted living with employee child care, and adult day centers with summer programs that bring in more than 130 children to interact with their members.
So I truly enjoyed noticing this year's “Best of Austin” [Oct. 14] and seeing Mike’s Place highlighted as Best Caregiver Respite in Austin. I wanted to let your readers know about the other amazing caregiver respite options besides the wonderful program at Mike's Place. Adult day centers and respite groups are underfunded and greatly unknown to many caregivers. Their services range from free half-day programs once a week to affordable or Medicaid-funded daily care up to five days a week. They specialize in Alzheimer's and dementia care as well as medical supervision for frail elders. Programs from Austin Groups for the Elderly like the Elderhaven Adult Day Centers are state licensed and can do medication management and toileting assistance. Many of the respite programs with Greater Austin CARES offer book clubs and support for people who are living with the first stage of Alzheimer's. These programs are often volunteer-run and financially strapped, but the care, compassion, and hope they offer families is beyond measure.
I am of the opinion after working in the health care industry with our elders that day programs which allow for care during the day and the ability to return home to families in the evening is one of the most compassionate choices we can make in our elder care options. It is through respect, reverence, and patience of our elders that we learn the most about our own humanity. They are the greatest teachers we will have the opportunity to meet, and the decisions we as a nation have made about supply safety and institutional care environments have stolen elderhood from our grandparents. It is time we rethink the health care options for our elderly. We could solve many challenges related to the youth of America and their need for attention, support, and love with programs that simply allow for interaction between children and seniors. There are nursing homes with kindergarten programs taking place within their walls, assisted living with employee child care, and adult day centers with summer programs that bring in more than 130 children to interact with their members.
So I truly enjoyed noticing this year's “Best of Austin” [Oct. 14] and seeing Mike’s Place highlighted as Best Caregiver Respite in Austin. I wanted to let your readers know about the other amazing caregiver respite options besides the wonderful program at Mike's Place. Adult day centers and respite groups are underfunded and greatly unknown to many caregivers. Their services range from free half-day programs once a week to affordable or Medicaid-funded daily care up to five days a week. They specialize in Alzheimer's and dementia care as well as medical supervision for frail elders. Programs from Austin Groups for the Elderly like the Elderhaven Adult Day Centers are state licensed and can do medication management and toileting assistance. Many of the respite programs with Greater Austin CARES offer book clubs and support for people who are living with the first stage of Alzheimer's. These programs are often volunteer-run and financially strapped, but the care, compassion, and hope they offer families is beyond measure.
Melissa Moore-Brower
Program Director
Elderhaven of Williamson County
Program Director
Elderhaven of Williamson County
