Elder Respite/Epilogue Program

Program Services:

The Epilogue Program has been active at the HFRC since 1993. We currently offer respite services from 1:00pm to 4:00pm on Tuesdays. This program is funded in part by a grant from the Michigan Department of Community Health, Older Adult Services Unit. As a grant program, The Epilogue is a fore-runner in the development of standards for care of individuals affected by Dementia.

The Epilogue Program is a “Dementia Specific” Adult Day Care. This means all participants are affected by one of the 80 conditions that cause symptoms of memory loss that interferes with their ability to perform their normal daily activities. Many of our participants have had a mental illness such as Schizophrenia or Depression in addition to dementia. This Adult Day Care is known throughout the State of Michigan as one of the best designed programs for the management of difficult behaviors.

Program goals serve both the individual affected by dementia and their caregivers in many ways. It provides the caregiver and participant an opportunity to meet their own needs. The caregiver receives respite time during which they can grocery shop, visit friends, or just take a much needed rest. The participants benefit by experiencing an afternoon during which there are no expectations and experienced staff are able to offer activities customized to individual levels of function. Time spent at the program provides participants with positive role models that enhance their ability to interact with people and the environment. New challenges to the caregiver such as difficulties with meals and difficulty communicating are addressed and the program supervisor provides teaching to the caregiver that will decrease their stress during management of their loved one at home.

The setting of the program is similar to that of a living room. We begin our afternoon with socialization, coffee, and good humor. This leads into armchair exercise, reminiscence, and small craft activities that stimulate the six senses. The HOPE Center assists our group by providing lunch and/or a nutritious snack that promotes maintenance of proper weight for participants. Adequate hydration of our elders is essential for optimal functioning and beverage consumption is a major focus.

The Epilogue II returned to South Haven on Wednesdays, beginning in 2005, at Peace Lutheran Church from 11:00am to 3:00pm. South Haven services are similar to those provided at the Hartford site. The Epilogue II is a congregate meal site for Senior Nutrition Services and participants will enjoy a meal together. Caregivers who chose to do so may access two afternoons per week of out-of-home respite if they utilize both the Harford and South Haven programs.

To enter the program: Contact Michele Fontaine at (269) 657-8361 ext. 6745 or (269) 427-6745. An RN evaluation will be performed prior to individuals entering the program to assure they are ready for out-of-home respite services. This evaluation provides much needed information such as current medical conditions, medications, and any other details essential for a safe and enjoyable afternoon out. After this information is processed a formal start date is agreed upon and services begin. Program staff are informed of participant needs through an individualized plan of care. Through this plan and the frequent contact with a Registered Nurse many participants experience improved functional abilities. The most common comment by caregivers is “I don’t necessarily notice a change from coming to the group but I definitely notice a change if we don’t come.” Our interventions have a lasting effect when there is regular attendance.

Since the causes of Alzheimer’s Disease and similar conditions continues to elude scientists our best service to customers is letting them know what is or is not “normal” for someone with dementia. We are a valuable resource for identification of complications of the disease process such as difficulty swallowing, falls risk, and to what degree the participant experiences reality. Caregivers are encouraged to express their needs and often referrals are made to other agencies to meet those needs. Until there is effective disease prevention we hope to make the burden a little lighter for both the individual affected by dementia and their caregiver.