The Locus Benedictus Retreat Center is working to launch a respite program for local caregivers to provide them a bit of personal time amid their busy work schedules.
Modeled on a similar program in Cleveland, Locus Benedictus’ program, “Special Seniors,” is for caregivers of patients with cognitive disabilities, said Dexter Walcott, who brought up the idea to the retreat center.
This inspired the thought that Locus Benedictus should provide its own caregiver program in Greenwood, said Nancy Bouler, a volunteer at the retreat center who will head “Special Seniors.”
“We’re trying to light a fire now,” she said.
The caregiver would drop his or her patient off at Locus Benedictus once a week, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday. The caregivers would then be free to run personal errands, such as getting groceries or going to a doctor’s appointment — tasks that they otherwise might not have time to accomplish if they’re on the clock.
Snacks will be provided, but the caregiver will need to bring a meal for the patient to cover any dietary concerns.
Among the volunteers will be Catherine Kidd, a therapist who has expertise in geriatrics and working with dementia patients, as well as Martha Randle, who will provide music.
A certified nursing assistant will also be on site.
Magdalene Abraham, the retreat center’s spiritual director, and Walcott noted that the retreat center is not a medical setting. “This program is planned on being one on one, caring for them, but any type of serious medical condition, we might not be able to handle here,” Walcott said.
So far, the program has been designated for only one day a week but “we hope to eventually hold it twice a week to give (the caregivers) eight hours a week so they can meet their needs,” Bouler said.
Bouler and Walcott, who have both served as caregivers for their own relatives, realize the hardships of the job.
“Full-time caregivers sometimes don’t realize they have to go out for help themselves,” Walcott said.
No start date for the program has been set because of a surge in COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant. However, applications will soon be distributed in order for caregivers to sign up.
For more information, contact Locus Benedictus at 662-299-1232 or contactlocusbenedictus@gmail.com or visit the website, www.locusbenedictus.org.
Like the retreat center’s other programs and services, the “Special Seniors” program will be free for the caregivers.
- Contact Gerard Edic at 581-7239 or gedic@gwcommonwealth.com.
