By Reader Staff
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), a national nonprofit organization, recently awarded Sandpoint Area Seniors, Inc. (SASi) a $5,000 grant for respite care.
SASi will utilize these funds to provide respite scholarships to families living with Alzheimer’s disease. Respite programs, such as adult day programs, offer caregivers a much-needed time-out from their caregiving duties, while providing stimulation for individuals with Alzheimer’s.
“AFA is proud to award respite care grants in an effort to help family caregivers maintain their own sense of mental and physical health,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., president and CEO of AFA. “Nobody is superman. It is important to realize that you can’t do it all.”
“It feels great (to receive this grant)! So exciting!” said Ellen Weissman, Sandpoint Area Seniors executive director. “These funds are so helpful for our families in need! We’re very grateful to AFA. This is the second time they have helped us!”
Family caregivers of individuals with dementia are critical to the quality of life of the care recipients. However, this support often comes at a cost of caregiver distress and with a challenging quality of life. Caregivers face many obstacles as they balance caregiving with other demands, including child rearing, career, and relationships. They are at increased risk for stress, depression, and a variety of other health complications, as well as decreased engagement in preventive health behaviors, such as exercise. There is also a greater likelihood among caregivers of smoking, drinking alcohol, and inadequate sleep.
It’s been a big couple weeks for the senior center. Last week, KXLY visited the center to do a story on the calendar Sandpoint seniors are making. Named “9 Over 90 and More,” the calendar will raise money for senior center services.
For more information about SASi or their DayBreak respite care center, please call (208) 263-6860.
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