Tuesday Solace
Tuesday Solace is a free service supporting families affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. It gives caregivers of early stage Alzheimer’s persons a much needed break while their loved one is in a safe, stimulating environment. Care is based on a program designed by the Texas Alzheimer’s Association. Each week participants are guided through a structured program of hymns, a devotional, chair exercises, refreshments (provided by volunteers or caregivers), entertainment or crafts, and games. At St. Francis, volunteers provide individual care so participants are never alone.
The program is conducted every Tuesday, with the exception of holidays, from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM. Program activities are broken into segments offering a balance of structured activity and free time for conversation and refreshment. All activities are selected to engage mind, body and spirit.
The following is an example of the activity schedule:
- 1:00 PM – Gather & Chatter: As participants enter, they are greeted and attended by their assigned volunteer. They are offered refreshments and assisted to join with others in the group for friendly conversation.
- 1:30 PM – Singing & Devotional: The Pledge of Allegiance is followed by a patriotic song (ie. “America The Beautiful”) and various hymns and other spiritual songs. Next a devotional is given by a clergy or lay person volunteering from any area church.
- 2:00 PM – Exercise: With a leader demonstrating each move, participants engage in light exercise that is set to music.
- 2:30 PM – Refreshments & Conversation
- 3:00 PM – Entertainment – Entertainment varies each week and includes either bingo, or musicians, dancers, vocal artists, or story tellers from the community who generously give their time and talent.
- 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM – Recreation: Participants engage in a game of dominoes or other games as well as arts & crafts and singing during the final hour in the program.
All volunteers receive training from the Alzheimer’s Association and are required to take the course, “Safeguarding God’s People”, provided by the Diocese of Texas.
Potential participants or caregivers who would appreciate an afternoon of respite in a safe and loving environment, please contact the church office (254)773-4255.