• Support Group for Caregivers
  Statistics show that caregivers who attend regular support group meetings are better informed about their loved one's disease, and are better able to cope with the demands of caring for someone with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Our support group meets on the second Monday of each month at 2:00. Supervision of loved ones with dementia is provided during the meeting at no cost. Prior to the meeting each month, a quiet prayer time is available in our chapel for those who desire it. A lay minister is also on hand at that time. The chapel is open at 1:30 on Support Group meeting days.
  

  "The Support Group is a lifesaver!"
  

  - A Caregiver
• Time and Peace of Mind
  For many caregivers, time to run errands, go to a doctor's appointment, or simply have lunch with a friend, is often in short supply. They must take their loved one with them or make arrangements for another caregiver to come to the home. By utilizing The Caring Place, they can enjoy doing those things without worry for the safety or happiness of their care receiver.
  One of the main concerns for many caregivers is the question "Am I doing what's best for my loved one?" For those who attend The Caring Place, they can answer that with an emphatic "Yes!" Our caregivers know that their care receiver is not only getting top-notch care, but that they are also enjoying their time with us here at The Caring Place.
  
• Advice and Resources
  There are days when caregiving is exceptionally difficult. Issues arise, tempers flare, or the caregiver just needs some advice on what to do next. The staff at The Caring Place is here to offer advice, caregiving hints, resources, or just a listening ear.

The Caring Place of Hot Springs lives and breathes because of its volunteers!

Each day, a rotating group of committed volunteers share their time and talents with our participants while they assist our staff. They play games, including dominoes and checkers, lead memory exercises, help with arts and crafts, and spend time in conversation with the participants. They also have lunch with the group.

Support volunteers help with special functions of the ministry, such as special dinners and fundraising events.

If you're interested in volunteering, call Kai Raden at 501-623-2881.

"It's so much fun, that's why I keep coming back time after time."
- A volunteer

We are thrilled to be the only group in Arkansas (at this time) using this nation-wide art program for people with dementia through the Alzheimer's Association. Staff members and volunteers were trained in July 2007 and we began our first group of 'artists' in August - with very encouraging results! Participants who have never painted before produce wonderful works of art. The best part (for the staff and volunteers) is seeing the self-confidence and self-esteem of our participants grow when they create a thing of beauty. "I didn't know I could paint!" is a common reaction. Along with creating something beautiful (and often worthy of framing!) painting provides an alternative method of communication, and often triggers memories for the 'artists'.

"Mountains" by Bill

"Starburst" by Christine

"Untitled" by Velma

"Untitled" by Frances

If you would like to talk to someone about enrolling a loved one in our program, call Lynn Reeves at 501-623-2881. The affordable fee of $7.75 per hour includes a morning snack, home-cooked lunch and all program materials. We are a licensed provider for ElderChoice, Medicaid, and we also accept private pay. We can also help families seek grants from local service providers such as Alzheimer's Arkansas and Area Agency on Aging. Scholarship funding is also available for those who meet financial requirements, as determined by our Scholarship Committee.

Enrolled participants can take advantage of our program one to four days a week, four to six hours a day, depending on their individual situations. Attended days are charged on a four-hour minimum basis.

Each year, we create a calendar with our artwork. In addition, the calendar shows different aspects of our program. If you would like to order a 2010 calendar, please email us at caring@cablelynx.com. Cost is $5 each, to cover the cost of printing.

We also have sets of notecards for sale with our paintings on them, along with a brief explanation of our program on the back. You may purchase a set of eight cards, each with a different design and matching white envelopes for $12. All proceeds from the sale of cards and calendars help us continue to provide a quality program for the seniors of Garland County and their families/caregivers.