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By Katie Scarvey
Lutheran Services Carolina

Nearly one in four North Carolinians is providing care for someone aged 60 or older. And nearly half of those are caring for someone who has some degree of dementia. Many of these caregivers are stretched to the breaking point and need some support.

This fall, local caregivers in the Clemmons area who need some relief will be able to find respite care for their loved ones through Respite at Trinity Elms.

Organizers want to emphasize that Respite at Trinity Elms will serve the whole community, not just residents of the Trinity Elms campus.

Respite at Trinity Elms is a half-day program that will offer caregivers a break while giving their loved ones companionship and activities to enjoy. The program will be housed at Trinity Elms Assisted Living, located at 3750 Harper Road in Clemmons. Frandee Nichols will direct the program.

Group respite will suit those older adults (60 and over) with some cognitive impairment who can still handle the demands of daily living (eating, grooming, etc.) and who do not need medical care, Nichols says.

“It would be ideal for someone whose physical needs are not great but who should not be left alone,” Nichols adds.

Respite at Trinity Elms will run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The cost is $40 a day and will include snacks, lunch and activities, including art, music, games and intergenerational programs. The site offers a quiet place for resting as well as a beautiful outdoor space.

Volunteers are being recruited to help with the new program, which is set to start Sept. 3. Volunteers will help facilitate activities like Bingo, art projects and games. No special knowledge or skills are required.

“You really don’t need a health care background, only a heart for helping seniors,” Nichols says.

Would you and your loved one benefit from the Respite at Trinity Elms program? Are you interested in volunteering to help with the program? Please call 704-637-3940 or 336-608-3555 for enrollment information or to explore volunteer opportunities.