By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY
christopher.tuffley@newssun.com
SEBRING -- Alzheimer's disease not only robs people of their past, ultimately it takes away their ability to live in the present. The time comes when afflicted individuals cannot be left on their own, the dangers are too great -- stoves are turned on and then forgotten, people wander away from home and become hopelessly lost, or become malnourished by forgetting to eat.
By the end, patients have to be cared for all day, every day.
The strain of caring for loved ones who are slowly losing their minds is stressful, draining and depressing.
A new center opened May 1 that helps caregivers by providing a safe place for those with Alzheimer's, or other dementias, to spend the day stimulated by activities.
Change of Pace, at 4514 Hammock Road, is a non-profit organization, operating in space donated by the Sebring Christian Church. It is not a religious program, but God-centered and operated with a Christian heart. It welcomes anyone.
Cora Schwingel, the administrator, explained that the center is the result of a group of ladies who met in a grief group after losing their husbands to Alzheimer's. Jean Maas, Ellen McKissock and Ellen Spinder were a part of that early group and the primary forces behind creating the center. They continue as vital members of the volunteer staff.
Change of Pace focuses on two major components: providing relief for caregivers, and enhancing the lives of clients.
Maas said of caregivers, "You're so exhausted, physically and emotionally. My one regret is that I did too much for my husband. You just don't have the time, or the energy, and it's frustrating, so you tend to (lead them around) because it's easier."
At the same time, many caregivers suffer terrible guilt leaving their loved ones in another's hands. That feeling is not helped when clients, confused and unsettled by any change in routine, resist an outsider or going to a new place.
Being a caregiver is so difficult, Maas said, that 60 to 70 percent of them die before their loved one does.
"Allow us to help you," Schwingel said. It is essential to take care of one's self. The center allows a caregiver to get rest, or have a day off to spend with friends or get things done.
The loss of a spouse who was once half of a team, the sudden need to deal with every problem alone often causes caregivers to feel anger, which adds to the guilt.
Getting relief helps caregivers deal with those complicated feelings, Schwingel said.
The center is staffed with 18 to 25 volunteers, depending on the season. They understand the challenges -- many from first-hand experience. All are trained through the Alzheimer's Association and are screened for the client's and their own safety.
"The struggle is to get to know the client," Schwingel said. Typically "their core personality does not go away. We keep notes on what they like and don't like. We place ourselves in their shoes, literally get down so we can see them eye to eye."
There are two main rooms at the center. One is quietly off to the side and filled with recliners. The other room is a huge space filled with tables covered with puzzles, blocks and games. There is an indoor putting green. Arts and crafts are part of the therapy.
"Routine is very important," Schwingel said. That is one reason she recommends clients come on a regular basis -- the same day or two every week, for example.
Snacks are served twice a day and lunch is brought in by Meals on Wheels. Special diet arrangements can be made.
The cost for a day's care is $45, which includes the food.
Ellen McKissock founded the Sam McKissock sponsorship fund to honor her husband, so there is help available for those in need.
Schwingel said people are welcome to visit, but to call in advance so the center is sure to have someone available to conduct a tour.
"There is an intake process," Schwingel said. The first time (you bring a loved one) you can't just show up and drop them off.
Change of Pace is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. It hosts a caregivers group from 1-2 p.m. Thursday.
For more information or to make an appointment, call 382-1188, or go to changeofpace.scc@gmail.com.
Friday, June 22, 2012 - www.newssun.com/062012-ct-Alzheimers-care