Our Program

Our program serves caregivers of adults, providing short term relief (up to 3 hours) a week. A trained volunteer stays with the person in his/her home to assure that a safe environment is maintained while the caregiver is away. This allows family members who provide continuous around-the-clock care for their relatives, a much needed break for rest and renewal. Many caregivers are parents, adult children or grandchildren that are still in the work force. A volunteer who visits weekly can offer some solace knowing their relative has additional support. Volunteers not only relieve the caregiver but also provides friendly visits to the person who is ill, or frail. We also serve elders living alone by offering companionship.

 

We work collaboratively with other health and senior services, churches and the community to provide increased support to family caregivers of adults in Shiawassee County. We also stay on top of outside services to inform family caregivers of health and senior services available so the individual can remain at home longer with additional support services in place.
 

Our Respite volunteers, first and foremost, have an interest in and a love for people. The level of care provided by the volunteers is described as companionship. Volunteers must satisfactorily complete a training course, to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to assure you of their ability to care for your loved one.

There is no charge to families receiving Respite services. However, donations are greatly appreciated and needed to continue the program. Donations, grants, and annual memberships are needed to provide the necessary funding to make this program possible. 

Your responsibilities as a family participating in this program are to understand that these volunteers are basically good neighbors coming into the home to help you cope. They will need your help, such as sharing with them any information about your loved one, which enables their care to be more effective. Communication between your family, the volunteer and the Respite office is very important. 

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