Diagnosis of dementia is a life altering event
Editor, The Sun:
Having a spouse or loved one to be diagnosed with any type of Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease is one of the hardest life altering events you will experience.
For the Dementia or Alzheimer’s patient, he or she knows that something is not quite right, but they don’t understand what is happening.
To the patient, it seems like a forgetful moment. They make excuses or come up with other reasons why things are happening. Some of the cognitive changes your loved one may experience are memory loss, problems communicating or finding words, problems with reasoning or problem solving, trouble performing complex tasks such as planning and organizing, confusion and disorientation.
As the disease progresses, a full-time caregiver may be necessary.
After my husband, Bob Odell, was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia, I became a full-time caregiver. Eventually, I realized that I needed help and enlisted some friends to sit with him while I went on appointments or just needed some “sanity time.”
I was familiar with the Respite Care program at Lake Ellen Baptist Church and decided to enroll my husband. Every Monday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. there are trained volunteers who have had loved ones with Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease and now they volunteer their time to help others who have received that dreaded diagnosis.
The ”Social Club” as it is known by the patient offers fun with arts and crafts, music and sing-alongs and games that help to stimulate the brain. Bingo is always a favorite where the winner gets a prize or candy or both!
Having this time to run errands, go to a doctor’s appointment, lunch with a friend, do some work or rest and not worry about your loved one is such a blessing.
If you find yourself in this situation or know someone who is, I encourage a visit with your loved one to the Respite Care program. Your loved one will receive love and support at Respite Care and you will too!
It is a real family atmosphere where your loved one will be comfortable and well taken care of.
For additional details on the program or interest in becoming a volunteer, contact Paul Andrews, the Coordinator of the Lake Ellen Baptist Church Respite Care Program at 850-815-5461.
Many thanks to all the volunteers who lovingly give their time!
Carol Odell
Crawfordville