Wesley Respite Center gives caregivers a break with weekly program
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
MARBLE FALLS — Sometimes, even a few hours can be a nice break for people taking care of family or friends with Alzheimer’s or dementia, so volunteers with the Wesley Respite Center at First United Methodist Church of Marble Falls want to give them just that.
“It’s four hours they can bring the person they’re taking care of here (at the church) and go run errands, go to a doctor’s appointment or just take a nap,” organizer Barbara Van Tassel said. “People taking care of those with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other memory-loss conditions associated with aging, well, they don’t get much of a break themselves. These programs give them a little chance to do something they need to do.”
The Wesley Respite Alzheimer’s Help at FUMC of Marble Falls is 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Fridays. The day typically starts off with a light breakfast followed by activities, including a non-strenuous exercise routine, games, crafts, lunch and music.
“Basically, whatever people are interested in, we try to have for them,” Van Tassel said.
FUMC of Marble Falls is one of several respite centers around the Highland Lakes. Van Tassel said the programs try to stagger their dates and times so caregivers can take advantage of them as necessary.
The FUMC of Marble Falls center started about two years ago. While caregivers do take advantage of it, Van Tassel said she would love to see more people use it.
“We’re trying to let as many people as we can know about it,” she said. “It’s really important for the caregivers to get a break. It’s hard taking care of a loved one or somebody with Alzheimer’s or other similar conditions.”
Van Tassel said the program is limited to individuals with early-onset of those conditions or moderate cases.
“We do an interview of both the caregiver and individual so we can make sure they fit into our group,” she said.
Interviews can be set up by calling Van Tassel at (830) 693-4401. The church is located at 1101 Bluebonnet Drive.
“We do have a lot of fun,” Van Tassel said about the four hours on Friday. “It’s just a good chance to give the caregiver a break. They need one as well.”
daniel@thepicayune.com