Jesse Chambers
IPC Recess Respite
Recess Respite volunteer Lene Howell looks at artwork created by a program participant.
Dementia is a growing public health problem, with one in eight Baby Boomers reporting memory loss, according to the CDC.
So Independent Presbyterian Church started its Recess Respite Program in 2018 to help people with mild to moderate memory loss and their caregivers. The program is held at IPC on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Participants enjoy art, games, music and other activities that stimulate the brain, according to program director Pat Flowers. They also exercise, mainly through chair yoga, and are served a hot lunch.
Recess Respite allows caregivers of participants to take a break, as well. “That time is so precious to them because it’s exhausting to be on call 24/7 caring for somebody who has dementia,” Flowers said.
Recess Respite is unique in that it “makes no differentiation” between participants and volunteers, Flowers said. “We do all of the activities together and have a good time together,” she said.
Socialization is the most important tool for brain stimulation, according to Flowers. “Everybody gets to come here and make friends,” she said.
The program is currently accepting participants and volunteers and isn’t restricted to IPC members. For information, call933-3723 or go to ipc-usa.org/serve/missions/recess.html.
