Lebanon
Every Friday, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., the group meets as part of the Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice Good Day Respite Program, which provides activities for people with memory impairment and gives their caregivers a block of time off.
“It’s stimulation with other people like themselves,” said Jan Sahler, a registered nurse with the VNA who assists with the program.
Shelia Brown, of Enfield, is the primary caregiver for her husband, Richard, who has been attending the program for about four years.
“He really enjoys it and looks forward to coming,” Brown said. “He loves talking with the people.”
Socialization is the key element of the program. During the dice game, Richard Brown joked around with the other three attendees. Their interactions were joyful and there were clear looks of enjoyment on their faces.
“I think this is a good thing that’s happening,” Brown said. She has recommended respite care to others in the area.
The Lebanon program now has up to six regular participants, but has the space for 12. The respite care program also meets Mondays and Thursdays in New London. There are spots available in both programs.
“We know there’s such a need,” said Jeana Newbern, the VNA’s volunteer services and marketing coordinator. Volunteers are also needed to assist with activities.
Sometimes, caregivers are hesitant to bring their loved ones by. The attendees — whom the VNA refers to as clients — may also experience trepidation at first.
“I think they fear they’ve failed their loved ones because they’re not following through with taking care of them. But that’s not it at all,” said Cheyrl Fogwill, activities director at the VNA. “The caregivers get burned out. They need a break.”
Over time, the participants develop relationships with the staff and with each other.
“We ask the caregivers to give it time,” Sahler said. “If they give it a chance, a majority of the time … the clients keep coming.”
In addition to games, participants do puzzles, crosswords, trivia, papier-mache and even planting during the spring. Music is a favorite: Performers visit to play instruments or sing.
Attendees make holiday cards and ornaments, and celebrate holidays and birthdays together.
The goal of these activities is “to make them feel like they still can achieve and accomplish things, to make them feel good about themselves again,” Fogwill said.
If Friday’s gathering was any indication, the program does just that.
Editor’s note: The program costs $40 a day, but scholarships are available to help cover the cost. Attendees are also given lunch and snacks. An interview is required before someone can enroll to make sure the program is a good fit. Call 603-526-4077 for more information. Those interested in volunteering can email Newbern at jnewbern@lakesunapeevna.org. Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
