For Immediate Release: 11/2/2018 11:48 am
The Worcester Senior Center has received a $3,000 grant from AARP Massachusetts for an eight-week pilot project known as “A Time to Care,” a program that enhances the quality of life for caregivers of family members with dementia.
To assist in the continuation of the program, $400 was also awarded by the Committee for the Future of Aging, an extension of ElderCare 2018, a collaboration of the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging and the Worcester County Reserve Deputy Association.
“A Time to Care” provides respite for caregivers of family members with dementia, while integrating their family members into existing Senior Center programming with appropriate supervision and a welcoming environment. Seven families have already benefitted from this expanded continuum of service provided by the Worcester Senior Center, which also hosts a monthly Memory Café for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
“Worcester is an emerging age and dementia friendly community,” said Dr. Matilde Castiel, Commissioner of Health & Human Services for the City of Worcester. “This program will allow our Senior Center to continue being a place of comfort and support for families caring for someone with dementia.”
“AARP Massachusetts is pleased to help fund the Worcester Senior Center’s caregiver respite program. Caregiving is very rewarding, but it can be a difficult and stressful role,” said Mike Festa, AARP Massachusetts state director. “Respite programs like this provide a beneficial break for the caregiver and help make Worcester a great place for everyone to live.”
A recognition event is planned for the funders to see the program in action on Tuesday, November 6 at 10:15 a.m. at the Worcester Senior Center, 128 Providence Street. The media is invited to attend.
