November 10, 2008

Dear ASCC Members:

ASCC’s Respite Program began in May 2005. Since the inception we have been able to provide this service to 16 families in the Greater New Orleans area.

We have five (5) slots available to members on a first come, first serve basis. If you meet the following criteria, please contact us at our office, or on line to sign up for our program.

• You must be an ASCC member
• You must present medical documentation of dementia/Alzheimer's disease from either your physician, nurse practitioner or other recognized medical care giver.
• The individual with Alzheimer's disease/dementia earns no more than $30,000 annually.
• You are able and willing to complete questionnaires at the beginning, at mid-point and when the program is completed.

Our Respite Program provides twenty-six (26) weeks of care for participating families. We contract with local healthcare professionals to come to your home once a week for four hours, at a time that is convenient for you. This means that you can count on four (4) hours of skilled care for your loved ones either during the days, in the evening, or on the weekend. You decide what services you want performed, from companion to light housekeeping, and when you want some relief.

To help keep this program going strong we hope you will continue to support our golf tournament This is our only fundraiser and 100% of the money goes to this program. Please check our events page in January for the April  date of our 4th Annual Golf Tournament. It will be held once again at Stonebridge Country Club in Gretna.

To put your name on the list for this service, please call 340-8565 or log onto the website.

Best,

Mary Anne Mushatt
ASCC President

What is Respite Care?

Respite care is more than "time off" for the caregiver.

This is a necessary relief from the physical and emotional stress often experienced by caregivers. Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease is a 24-hour job that can often drain energy in the body, mind, and spirit. Respite Care gives the caregiver time for rest, recreation, and personal errands, as well as time to rejuvenate their mind and heart.

Respite Care is the most direly needed service for the care giving community. Without relief, the caregiver’s health and quality of life can be greatly affected.

For information on support programs offered through the New Orleans Council on Aging, please click here.