A new program is available as part of the Dementia Friendly B/CS Initiative in Brazos Valley. I have been volunteering every Monday with "Caring Friends" a group respite program for seniors with mild cognitive impairment or dementia who are unaware of their diagnosis. The seniors enjoy music, laughter, storytelling, exercise and stretching, crafts, lunch and fellowship, and so far it has been incredibly FUN!! The mission is to provide a safe place for fun and socialization for the senior participants, all while giving the individual's family caregiver a few hours to recharge -- whether that's running errands, attending appointments, or simply resting.
The program is hosted at Christ Church at 4201 Texas 6 Frontage Rd, College Station on Mondays from 10 am - 2 pm. Senior participants are welcome to bring their caregiver, but otherwise a volunteer "buddy" will be matched with them for the day.
My favorite way to contribute to the program is by leading the seniors in chair stretches and exercises to themed music. This past Monday the theme was Show Tunes and we practiced our moves to songs from "Oklahoma", "The Music Man" and others. It was a blast and many of the seniors sang along to the show tunes, reminiscing with huge smiles on their faces. As we all know, laughter is the best medicine and "You're Never Fully Dressed without a Smile"!
The program is hosted at Christ Church at 4201 Texas 6 Frontage Rd, College Station on Mondays from 10 am - 2 pm. Senior participants are welcome to bring their caregiver, but otherwise a volunteer "buddy" will be matched with them for the day.
My favorite way to contribute to the program is by leading the seniors in chair stretches and exercises to themed music. This past Monday the theme was Show Tunes and we practiced our moves to songs from "Oklahoma", "The Music Man" and others. It was a blast and many of the seniors sang along to the show tunes, reminiscing with huge smiles on their faces. As we all know, laughter is the best medicine and "You're Never Fully Dressed without a Smile"!