WS Chronicle

By Carol Ann M. Harris

The Shepherd’s Center of Greater Winston Salem is pleased to offer two new programs for family caregivers.  Through an initiative of the Family Caregiver Support Program and funding by a grant of the American Rescue Plan Act, family caregivers may participate in either a Caregiver Activity Pack project or a Caregiver Book Discussion Group. There is no cost to participants for either program.

The Caregiver Activity Pack project is designed for caregivers who may have limited access to adult daycare, in-home aides, and other services. A Caregiver Activity Pack will include carefully chosen objects, projects, and activities that (a) are appropriate for families living with individuals in cognitive decline and (b) can be carried out in the home as caregivers may find the need for new ways of relating or relaxing with care partners. Caregiver Activity Packs include items for activities as well as ideas for caregivers. Not all the objects, ideas, or activities will prove successful in every situation. It is our goal to bring relief and joy in this activity pack, whether it is used with a care partner, by a caregiver alone, or by other visitors with care partners.

Past Caregiver Activity Packs included puzzle books, word searches, and adult coloring books, as well as a baking kit with ideas, recipes, and a few ingredients for easy activities.
The Caregiver Book Discussion Group is designed for those family caregivers with flexibility in their daily caregiving responsibilities. The intent of this project is to provide opportunities for education and socialization around a commonly read book. The ARPA grant allows us to provide books and lunch for book group discussions. Eligibility and enrollment requirements must be met.

Our first Book Discussion Group is scheduled for January after we read a local favorite – “Keeping Love Alive as Memories Fade” by Deborah Barr, Edward Shaw and Gary Chapman. 

Enrollment is underway for both of these programs. If you or someone you know may be interested in either of these offerings, please contact Carol Ann Harris at The Shepherd’s Center of Greater Winston Salem at 336-748-0217 or email charris@shepherdscenter.org.

Carol Ann M. Harris is the Faith in Action program assistant for The Shepherd’s Center of Greater Winston Salem.