news article
Providing hope and fun to Alzheimer and Dementia patients and caregivers
January 6, 2025 / By LeAnn Childs, First United Methodist Church of Westfield
Nearly seven million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, this number is rapidly increasing and is expected to jump to 13 million by 2050.
First United Methodist Church of Westfield is able to provide hope to both Alzheimer and Dementia patients. The church has the unique opportunity to offer the only free Respite/Social program for individuals with Dementia and early stages of Alzheimer’s and their caregivers in Chautauqua County. This faith-based program was started in Westfield in 2018 with the help of the Western NY Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. The Alzheimer’s Association also provides our training. The Westfield Alzheimer Social Program, held at the First United Methodist Church of Westfield, is intended to provide individuals suffering with Dementia and early stages of Alzheimer’s an opportunity to partake in a social, supportive, and secure environment while giving caregivers the temporary relief they need.
It is vital for caregivers to maintain an adequate level of self-care and our respite program allows them to take a break from their daily care giving roles. Caregiving can be physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausting. Prioritizing your own well-being is crucial for both your own health and your effectiveness as a caregiver. We offer the opportunity for caregivers to take time for themselves. Take a walk, have coffee with a friend, enjoy a round of golf, visit the library, make an appointment for some pampering, or partake in some window shopping. We offer a secure and safe environment for their loved ones. Caregivers, are welcome to stay and join in to see our program if there is any anxiety regarding separation.
The volunteers provide physical, emotional, and social support for our friends and caregivers during the time that they are at the program. While at our program, our friends and caregivers are able to participate in a stress-free environment that has all types of activities. They engage in arts and crafts, games, and music. Our preschool students sometimes even join our friends for song time. Every month, they are provided with a wonderful hot meal that is provided free of charge by members of the community.
This program is housed at the First United Method Church of Westfield, but is staffed by trained and vetted volunteers from many of our local churches all around the community. These volunteers receive training and commit to helping with our Community One-on-One care program.
This program is held on the second Wednesday of every month. We are handicap accessible and all of our activities are on one floor. For more information on volunteering, providing a meal for respite services, contact Gail Boardway at (716) 867-2319 or westfieldrespite@gmail.com.