No one knows better than the Barrington Area Council on Aging (BACOA) that caring for an older family member can be a demanding and stressful job. Caregivers often find themselves unable to take a break to run errands, get work done, or simply recharge. Starting this month, BACOA is expanding its “A Day Out” adult day respite program, adding more sessions to meet demand. Offered at Barrington Lutheran Church of the Atonement, the program provides social, intellectual and emotional support and stimulation for those who have mild cognitive or physical impairments. It’s also a way to offer respite for primary caregivers.
Soon after BACOA introduced the adult day respite program in 2014, they expanded to two days a week. Now, there will be a third day offered twice a month to serve more participants.
“A Day Out” activities include reminiscence activities, board and table games, crafts, physical activity and music. Coordinators regularly schedule special guests, including therapy dogs, hands-on nature and wildlife presentations and live performances. The program costs $35 a day and participants bring their own “brown bag” lunch. A support group for caregivers is also available twice a month at no additional charge.
Click here for more information about the program.
Also this fall, BACOA is hosting their eighth annual Fabulous You! Luncheon featuring actress Betsey Means. She will be presenting “Fish and Fetish”, the story of Mary Kingsley (1862-1900), an intrepid Victorian Explorer who traveled to West Africa and wrote the best selling book, Travels in West Africa. That’s coming up from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 5th, at Makray Memorial Golf Club. Tickets cost $40 and can be purchased online at BACOA.org or by calling 847-381-5030.
Founded thirty years ago, BACOA exists to promote #AgingBetter, or vibrant, healthy aging through activities, education, and support to adults and caregivers. BACOA serves approximately 1,200 individuals a year and assists the community in the following ways:
Information on housing options or in-home care services * Meals-with-Wheels * Enrollment in Medicare and Medicaid * Counseling on insurance, benefits and Medicare Part D * Support and education groups for seniors and caregivers * Activities and programs for active seniors * A day respite program for older adults * Educational programs and services for the community on issues related to aging
To see how BACOA embraces their mission daily, search #AgingBetter for their social media updates and find more information about their programs at BACOA.org.
