October 2000 
Adult School provides respite for caregivers By Sheldon J. Reber, Director of School and Community Relations
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E ureka Adult School offers a new Elder Respite Program that provides respite care for caregivers through a program of social activities for people experiencing dementia and the frail elderly. This is the only program of its kind in the community. According to Eureka Adult School program coordinator and social worker Debra Jones, M.S.W., "The program is designed to provide cognitively and physically-impaired people with the opportunity to socialize with each other in a specially-tailored program of activities." Jones mentions that the Elder Respite Program includes music, arts and crafts, conversation, and refreshments. Not only does the new program provide people afflicted with dementia the opportunity to socialize with others, it also gives family members who care for them a periodic break from the stress of being a full-time caregiver. While their family members are participating in the program, "Caregivers will have respite from their caregiving responsibilities*time of their own*to do as they please," said Jones. This ongoing program is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at Easter Seals in Eureka. The hours are 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There is a $20 daily fee. Scholarships may be available to families who qualify. Community volunteers are needed to spend a few hours a week in the new Elder Respite Program. For more information on the new Elder Respite Program, call the Eureka Adult School at 441-2448.
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