Due to the overwhelming community need, Abbotsford at the Glebe Centre has expanded its ‘Day Away’ program to four days a week.
The program, which provides a safe, familiar environment for people with early to mid-stage dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, gives caregivers some much needed respite, and provides activities and engagement for clients.
But the waiting list to join has grown to about 80 people.
“The need increased over the last year and a half,” said David O’Neill, Manager of community programs at the Glebe Centre. “We’ve moved things around to make it work.”
‘Day Away’ now runs Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Staff members, along with two or three regular volunteers, guide the 10-12 clients through intellectual, physical and social activities throughout the day.
“The activities run for about 45 to 50 minutes, considering their shorter attention spans and we change rooms after each activity so they get a change of scenery,” said Cassandra Ford, program facilitator.
“We offer seated exercise programs, games, singing, and crosswords. We try to give structure to the day so there are similar activities, there’s a routine and they know what to expect.”
Participants all get a hot meal made in the Glebe Centre’s kitchen.
“The best part is making a connection with the client, even if it’s brief, and seeing their faces light up when they’re able to contribute,” said Ford.
Caregivers looking for respite for someone with early to mid-stage dementia can call Home and Community Care for a referral.
But there is still a significant wait list, according to O’Neill.
Room rentals available at Abbotsford
The community support services provided by Abbotsford are only 60 per cent funded by Ontario Health, so programs depend on fundraising, donations, and grants to operate, said O’Neill.
“There’s a lack of funding,” he said. “So we’re looking at renting out our facility during hours it is not being used — on weekends or in the evening .”
Abbotsford House, the heritage farmhouse across from Lansdowne Park, offers up a dining room for 40 people, a multipurpose space for 80 and board rooms to seat 15 to 20 people.
“There’s a sliding scale in terms of the cost of the space,” said O’Neill. “For not-for-profit renters it’s $50 an hour, and in terms of for-profit, it’s $100 an hour.”
Annual Holiday Craft Fair
Abbotsford also plans to raise programming money at its annual craft fair on Saturday Nov. 29 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m..
On offer will be homemade crafts, ornaments, baby clothes, knitwear, pottery and handmade teddy bears. There will also be home baked goodies, including frozen apple pies to go. The tea room will be open all day, full of deliciousness.