The Alzheimer's Alliance Tri-State Area Our Place Respite Center works to make life better for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers.
The center provides caregivers a safe, fun place to take their loved ones for the day while they rest, run errands or do something fun, a break many caregivers truly need.
"It's because the caregivers are simply being worn out. Twenty four-seven care of anybody can just wear you out. Statistics show they may run down and even die quicker than someone with Alzheimer's or another dementia," said Allan Wren, respite center director.
A day at the center is also mentally and physically stimulating for the person with Alzheimer's or another type of dementia.
"We do a variety of activities and they change slightly through each week. For example, we try to get in some exercise. Exercise always includes strength, endurance, stretching and balance. We try to do those things and we have fun with every activity we do. We do activities that are either mentally stimulating or engaging and physically appropriate for this age group," Wren said.
Some of the activities include listening to music from the 1940s or 1950s and moving to the beat.
"We boogie to Glen Miller or Buddy Holly frequently. They love that. You may not be dancing, but you're twisting your feet or just moving," Wren said.
They also sing songs, play games like Jeopardy or the Price is Right.
"We're very careful not to put any people on the spot. You'll have a team and it allows them to participate and not feel embarrassed if they don't know the answer," Wren said. "This is a needed service because it's engaging for the people who come. We provide a safe and stimulating environment, but most importantly it's critical for the caregiver to get some rest."
The respite center, which opened in August 2013, expanded its hours from two days a week to three days a week in 2016.
They are open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and usually have between five to seven "friends" a day.
Each "friend" that comes to the center is paired with a volunteer.
"The volunteers or companions get as much out of it as they people they serve," Wren said. "They really enjoy being a volunteer. We have about 20 volunteers total."
A sense of humor is one quality it takes to make a good volunteer at the center. Another is a passion for helping people.
"Most of the people who come have dealt with family members who've had issues like this," Wren said.
Volunteers are specially trained with a program at the Regional Center on Aging.
The Alzheimer's Alliance is located at 100 Memory Lane, Texarkana, Texas. For more information on their programs, call 903-223-8021.