Day Away Program "I will never forget you..." Isaiah 49:15 A Respite Care Program for Adults in the Early Stages of Alzheimer's Disease or Related Dementia. If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, please email: dayaway@sjnnh.org, or call the office at (603)880-4689.

What is Day Away?

Taking care of an elderly parent or relative is a responsibility many families assume as a matter of love and family loyalty. The need to "take care of our own" is strong, but 24-hour care, particularly for an elderly person who cannot be left alone safely for any length of time, can produce unhealthy stress for the caregiver.

We know your burden is heavy and we can share the yoke to lighten your load. Our arms are open to your loved ones. We are here for them and for you. Take this opportunity to go out and do something for yourself, and return refreshed and ready for your loved one.

We invite all families and caregivers, regardless of creed, who feel the need for respite and relief from constant care and responsibility.

Details

• Thursdays from 9 am - 3pm at St. John Neumann Church.

• Compassionate friendship and 1:1 supervision by trained volunteer staff.

• Registered nurse on duty throughout the day.

• Cost: $15 per day and includes a boxed lunch, snacks, and a craft project.

• Referrals to area resources for caregiver support, counseling, education.

• Contact the parish office to get on our waiting list.

• All participants are required to undergo an intake assessment by the Day Away staff.

We are a social day program. We are not a licensed medical program, nor are we a personal care program. We are not a drop in center.

Participant Eligibility Criteria

·         Ability to walk independently (cane or walker acceptable)

·         Ability to self-manage in the restroom

·         Ability to respond appropriately in a social setting (social graces intact)

·         Living in private residence and dependent on family caregiver. 

Day Away Schedule

   9:00am: Welcome, Refreshments, Socializing, Reminiscing & Brain-booster Exercises
 10:00am: Crafts Hour
 11:00am: Chair Aerobics, Dancing, Games 12:00pm: Lunch
 12:30pm: Bingo, Walking, Feeding the Birds
   1:30pm: Sing Along
   2:00pm: Line Dancing & Games (bowling, beach ball toss, beanbag toss, ladder ball)
   2:30pm: Pet Therapy 

   2:45pm: Afternoon Snack
   3:00pm: Pick Up

Volunteers

Interested in helping out? Contact us at dayaway@sjnnh.org or call the parish office.
Training is provided.

• 1:1 Companion Volunteers:  work along-side their participant providing support and reassurance. To help 3 1/2 hours on Thursdays either in the morning (8:45am-12:15pm) or in the afternoon (11:45am to 3pm).
• Volunteer Lunch Assistants:  to assemble lunch for the volunteers one or twice a month on Thursdays.  Food is provided by Day Away. Time commitment:  11:00 am - 1:00 pm
• Volunteer Craft Assistants:  To help facilitate the craft time (10:00am - 11:00am) once or twice a month. Craft supplies are provided by Day Away.
• Pet Companion Volunteer: Contact Day Away Director for more information about eligibility criteria.

Donations

Day Away is a not-for-profit program funded by a modest participant fee. We are dependent on volunteers and memorials. Your tax-deductible financial support would be greatly appreciated.  Donations can be addressed to: 

St. John Neumann Day Away

708 Milford Rd

Merrimack, NH 03054