Caring Friends
RESPITE MINISTRY
Caring Friends provides four hours of much-needed rest to those who take care of a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. We aim to break the cycle of isolation associated with this disease and provide a safe, secure, and stress-free environment for these loved ones.
Caring Friends is free and open to all qualified participants in NWA. We gratefully accept donations each session to cover food costs; $10 is the typical donation offered. We share the healing power of being in community, creating bonds of trust and love. Everyone benefits.
When & Where
We meet on Thursdays from 10:00 am- 2:00 pm in the Parish Hall.
Leaders
Helen Brown & Jim Mitchell
How to Get Involved
To learn about joining in any capacity, please email respite@stpaulsfay.org.
Caring Friends News
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caring Friends?
Caring Friends is a meeting of friends who enjoy each other’s company and look forward to seeing one another. We meet weekly in an atmosphere of love and community in the Parish Hall at St. Paul’s.
We call those with Alzheimer’s our Friends and our volunteers are known as Companions. A Companion or two is assigned to a Friend, and they are responsible for that Friend during their time with us.
What do you do for the four hours?
We meet for coffee and light snacks in the South Parish Hall, then move into the adjoining Parish Hall for light exercise, games, and activities. We break into small groups to play cards, dominoes, crafts, puzzles and other activities appropriate for the needs and interests of each Friend. We enjoy a home-cooked lunch. After dessert, we return to small groups or have a group activity. We often have music playing for much of the day; music seems to have very positive effect on our friends with Alzheimers.
Who are Caring Friends’ volunteers?
Most of our volunteers (Companions) are retired folks looking to give back to the community. Companions are retired teachers, speech therapists, social workers, doctors, cooks, and grandpas and grandmas. Each of our volunteers undergoes a screening process before they can volunteer with Caring Friends.
Is Caring Friends only open to St. Paul’s members?
Anyone in NWA diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia is welcome. Acceptance is based on individual needs. Conditions such as persistent wandering, inconsolable emotional imbalance, unmanaged incontinence or therapeutic needs warranting medical expertise may prevent acceptance into the program. If you have a family member neighbor, friend, or acquaintance who is a caregiver who might benefit from our program, let them know about us.
May I preview the program before applying?
Yes, we encourage guest visits. Please contact us to make arrangements.
