50plus December 2010 The Eagle • theeagle.com
Volunteer group provides a break for Alzheimer’s patients, families By SHARON SHAR ROE Special To The Eagl Ea e
Open Arms Alzheimer’s Respite Group’s twice monthly meetings affect af the participants, their caregivers, and the volunteers the same way: everyone leave lea s energized and smiling. “Whatever you give, you receive back,” said Jeannie Bassett, Open Arms volunteer and daughter of an Alzheimer’ssuffer ff er.“There’s ffer such a need for respite groups in our community. Alzheimer’s is not going to go away. It’s going to increase more and more from what we’re hearing.” A 2004 Alzheimer’s Association report states that the numbers will grow to an estimated 3.5 million in 2031, when the first group of baby boomers hit age 85. This is just one of the many statistics that led Aimee Brauer, now the director of Open Arms, and Dr. David Hackethorn of Scott and White, to start the program for Alzheimer’s suffer suf ers and their caregivers last September. So o ffar, the group has had remarkable turnout, with 10 regularly
Marr Eye Center 6
Photos courtesy Open Arms Respite Group
Left:An Open Arms volunteer sings hymns with an Alzheimer’s patient. Right: Natalie Unruh, with Aggieland Pets with a Purpose, and her dog,Willie, attend Open Arms meetings to spend time with the patients. attending participants and 30 speakers and entertainers, are soothing and get the so sweet,” said Brauer. “You “Y volunteers. and do various ability participants to open up in can see the connection. It’s “They need to have ha a appropriate crafts such as new ways. right in the moment.” place that is their own,” said coloring faces on pumpkins. “Some participants that Bassett, “where they can have ha They also have visits from don’t talk much will say, success at their own level.” the dogs at Aggieland Pets ‘that’s the one I want to pet.’ See Open Arms Together, they sing hymns, with a Purpose. Director Seeing the dogs look the pa 13 page play games, hear guest Aimee Brauer feels the dogs people right in the eyes is
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