The morning starts with coffee and conversation and includes discussion of current events from the daily newspaper. Weekly activities revolve around a theme such as farming, Veteran’s Day, or changing seasons. Activities include reminiscence, word searches/ crosswords, and art activities based on the weekly theme.
Music is a big part of each day with sing-a-longs and guest musician visits. Group exercise and games are fun and helpful in keeping large and small motor skills adept. Twice monthly worship services and regular visits from therapy dogs, youth groups, and other guests add variety to the daily routine. The respite center’s beautiful outdoor patio features raised bed gardens and provides seasonal opportunities for participants to safely enjoy the outdoors and assist with caring for the flowers.

Usually caregivers and families wait too long to bring their loved one to adult day care. We frequently hear “they’re not ready for that yet”. When someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another progressive illness, most caregivers admit when they look back that they waited too long. In hindsight, the ‘signs’ of the disease were noticeable for many years before it was formally diagnosed. If we can catch people earlier and get them used to participating, it is better in the long run for everyone. Social isolation is a major problem for family caregivers who do not have sufficient time away and a trusted support system to help share the burden as their loved one’s disease progresses.

Staff includes a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and an experienced activity coordinator. All staff are trained in CPR/First Aid and bring years of experience working with aging adults who are socially isolated or have Alzheimer’s disease or other progressive illnesses. Skilled volunteers regularly come to socialize with participants and lend a hand with games and activities. We are proud of our staffing ratio which is often much higher than is required by our Department of Human Services license.
While most of the daily programming happens within the respite center, participants also enjoy the time spent with a staff member on the cushioned walking track or playing pool in the game room at the VINE Adult Community Center.

Although it is our goal to keep participants busy and engaged and send them home happily tired, we realize that there are times when a short nap may be needed. The respite center has a peaceful, quiet room (equipped with an emergency pull cord) with a twin bed and two lift chairs if a person needs to rest. There is also a reclining love seat available in the social area for people who prefer to take a short break and still be around others. Staff regularly checks on everyone.

VINE’s nurse will administer medication at the time specified by the caregiver. The medication needs to be delivered in a labeled envelope stating who it is for and when it needs to be given.