Shepherd’s Place in Fairhope
Here’s a question for you . . . what would you do if someone you loved couldn’t safely care for themselves, yet they weren’t quite ready for full-time care away from home? Â You’d be surprised at the number of people who unexpectedly find themselves in the full-time position of caring for a spouse, parent or even a grown child who has a disability.
Not being able to run to the grocery store or even walk outside in the garden for a few moments can be stressful, to say the least. That’s where “Shepherd’s Place” has stepped in to offer relief to those full-time care givers by providing a safe, happy place for their loved one to visit on a part-time basis.
Above, is Leisa Richardson, RN, who directs the program and provides medical supervision. The respite program is available four days a week and offers a life – enriching experience for those with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, brain injury or dementia.
Participants have ranged in age from 35-103 and have come from every walk of life. Homemakers and CEO’s, musicians and real estate agents, memory loss is a thief that knows no bounds.
At Shepherd’s Place, laughter always fills the room as everyone sings, plays card games, paints and eats a healthy lunch alongside new friends.
A loyal group of trained volunteers provide friendship and reassurance to the participants. I’ve volunteered with this program in the past and found that at first, the newer members of the program were nervous in this new environment, but because of the wonderful care, they eventually warmed up, and even with memory impairments, looked forward to their days here. Many consider it their “club.”
Shepherd’s Place meets at Fairhope United Methodist Church and is open to anyone in the area who qualifies. Caregivers use their free time to run errands, meet friends for lunch, or even take a long nap. It’s normal to take care of our young children’s needs, but it’s often unexpected when we have to repeat this role later in life. Just a few hours of relief and change of scenery can recharge and refresh both people in the relationship.
The men in the group especially like having a cup of coffee and sharing their life stories, which family members have often heard many, many times. I didn’t get a photo of it, but there is also a secure and gorgeous outdoor courtyard where the participants can sit on pretty days.
Shepherd’s Place was modeled on another similar program, but is the first of its kind in our area. The non-profit agency was founded by FUMC Director of Caring Ministires, Dr. Ann Pearson, as a program for the entire community.
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Do you have a program like this in your area? Have you ever had to care for a loved one with a memory loss issue?
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For more information, click HERE to visit Shepherd’s Place web site.
This just touches my heart! God bless the ones running this organization and I know how much it is needed. I took care of my little mother for years and know how draining it can be. When she went to the nursing home, I still went to see her every day but felt so relieved that she was being taken care of and it was an exceptional place – the workers really loved her. This is such a wonderful service to our loved ones who have cared for us for so long. Have a great weekend, you pretty little thing you! 😉
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
You have a kind heart, and I remember you writing about your dear Mother. I know she appreciated you more than you will ever know!
My cousin was able to use a respite program for several years for her mother, my aunt. I don’t think anything like this was available where my mother lived before she had to go to skilled nursing. However, you are right about there being no age limits. After Ray was so badly injured in a car wreck when he was a young man, he was in various rehab facilities for about three years. When I was investigating resources for my own mother, I discovered that there were many much younger people, not just older folks, in places like this because of everything from wrecks to scuba diving accidents. These people provide an very valuable service to families or individuals who are overwhelmed with the total care for another adult while trying to take care of daily living for themselves and their families.
Thank you for putting a spotlight on this service.
I think you are exactly right about there being a big surprise factor when people first hear the statistics of younger people who need nursing care. Such a life changing experience. Glad Ray had good care.
This is one of the most wonderful places I have ever heard of. What a service to families in need of this.
It really does fill a need that previously, no one ever considered.
What a blessing that church and the volunteers are to the community and families in need.
Yes, there are some pretty hard-working, innovative nice people around here. Thank goodness!
I think Shepherd’s Place will have a mansion in heaven.
Isn’t that a nice thought!
Such a wonderful program! Wish there were tons more like it. Yes, we are caring for my mother-in-law. We share the care, 6 months between her two son’s homes. Talk about a life changing experience. I love the first picture of those experienced hands clapping. Thanks for sharing this wonderful place.
How nice your family is sharing in the care of your Mother in law. You will all have great memories, and she gets to see everyone this way.
I could have kept my mother at home much longer if I had only had a place where she could go for a few hours. After a time, 24/7 care became impossible without a break. This is a wonderful ministry.
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