Tribal families dealing with a loved one who has cognitive decline or dementia can now take advantage of free weekly support offered by the Alzheimer’s Family Support Center.
“We will be here to help people with cognitive loss find meaning and purpose in their lives and provide respite for caregivers,” said Molly Purdue who is the executive director and co-founder of AFSC.
The Social Engagement and Respite program will be held every Thursday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Government Center gym beginning on May 9. To pre-register call (508) 896-5170 or email info@capecodalz.org.
Purdue said it will be a mix of social and professional services that will include activities for the cognitively impaired and support and education for caregivers.
“Our goal is to meet people where they are and treat them with dignity,” Purdue said, “It’s important for people with cognitive impairment to make connections that are meaningful and have purpose in their lives. This kind of social experience helps them make cognitive connections.”
Caregivers can remain at the program or take the three hours to do something on their own. AFSC also has counselors, social workers and SHINE counselors on staff who are qualified to provide support and guidance for caregivers who may need advice about coping skills or have questions about insurance or legal matters.
The AFSC is a Cape Cod non-profit established by caregivers, for caregivers founded by Purdue and co-founder and Cultural Director Melanie Braverman.
“A dementia diagnosis can be so isolating,” said Braverman, “worlds can get smaller.”
The program will consist of two hours of social activity followed by one hour of lunch joining the regular senior lunch provided by the tribe every Thursday.
“We will be doing things like seated exercises, have therapy animals, and have cultural programs like drumming and songs,” said Braverman, “It will be important for us to understand what works for them.”
As part of the intake, they will be interested in learning what the participant’s life was like before they became cognitively impaired, what they did for work, what hobbies they engaged in, and what family traditions are important to them. It is all a part of what they do to enrich the lives of people with dementia.
“In the right environment, with the right stimulation, we know people can do better,” Purdue said.
AFSC also operates a community center at the Cape Cod Mall offering similar services on weekdays from 11 am to 5 pm. For more information, visit alzfamilysupport.org.
