Caregivers are invited to join Hands of Hope in Middletown on Saturday, April 12, from 10 to 11 a.m. to participate in a Building Foundations of Caregiving Workshop from the Alzheimer’s Association as part of their Empowered Caregivers Series. The Hands of Hope Respite Program, a collaboration between Easterseals, the Alzheimer’s Association, and Bethesda UMC, will be open to attendees during the workshop and free to guests whose caregivers attend the workshop that day. The program, to be held at Bethesda UMC, is open to visitors before and after the workshop. Registration is appreciated; please email Mika at mikab@bethesdaumcde.org to register.
“We are excited that the partnership between Easterseals, Bethesda UMC, and Alzheimer’s Association could make the Hands of Hope respite program possible for families who support loved ones with dementia and Alzheimer’s,” Nancy Ranalli, Director of Community Outreach & Assistive Technology, said. “The program has been such a success in the Middletown area and Easterseals is eager to expand throughout the state in other faith-based communities.”
"Caring for someone living with dementia brings a unique set of challenges and rewards," Kristina Fransel, Executive Director, Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter, said. "It is important that dementia caregivers have access to tools and best practices that can guide them on their journey. We are pleased to bring education programs into the community, to help people empower themselves to provide quality care while managing their own well-being."
WHAT: Building Foundations of Caregiving Workshop
WHEN: Saturday, April 12, 10 - 11 a.m.
WHERE: Bethesda UMC, 116 East Main St, Middletown, DE
For more information and to register, contact Mika at mikab@bethesdaumcde.org.
Developed through a partnership between Bethesda United Methodist Church and Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore, with support from the Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter, the Hands of Hope Respite Program is offered at the church from 9:00 to 12:00 every other Saturday. Participants engage in activities such as music, games, movement exercises, art, and mission projects with the assistance of community volunteers. This respite ministry is designed for participants who are independent, ambulatory, and capable of attending to their own personal care needs.
To learn more about volunteering or participating in the Hands of Hope Respite Program, please contact: mikab@bethesdaumcde.org, or 302-378-2313 or visit: www.middletownhope.com. Volunteers under the age of 16 are welcome with a parent or guardian present.
