During our inaugural Inside the Circle virtual event, we invited some of our current caregivers to share their stories. Caregiver stories always help to better illustrate exactly how our program directly impacts both the lives of our participants and their caregivers and care partners.
Just as we appreciate caregivers placing their trust in us with the care of their loved ones, we appreciate their shared stories of support. Attendees of Inside the Circle were deeply moved by the caregiving stories that we shared. We are happy to have another opportunity to share one of their stories here.
Allie is herself an Occupational Therapist who once interned with Circle Center early in her career, so she is well aware of the benefits of our program. Her mother, Francine, a Ph.D in microbiology and a professor who didn't retire until her 70's, was accustomed to a high intensity job that kept her very busy and engaged. As Allie noticed the effects of her mother's Alzheimer's and how the loss of her independence was detrimentally affecting her overall wellness, she and her family knew they needed to find a solution.
It was important to Allie and her family to honor Francine's wish to stay at home with her husband Guy. Understanding how important maintaining this sense of independence was to her parents, Allie and her family assembled a solution that included the right balance of collaborative partners. While home care is necessary, the high cost and scarcity of availability combined with Francine requiring more activity and interaction than Guy, meant that adding in days at Circle Center for Francine worked for everyone. Allie also understood the fundamental need to establish a routine and provide her mother with opportunities for stimulation. So driven by her passion for her career, Allie knew the lack of a schedule and purpose would continue to negatively affect mother's continued health, both mentally and physically.
Finding Circle Center was "wonderful in every way possible" for Allie, Francine and their family. They appreciate the collaboration within agencies and community partners that Circle Center pursues as well as our holistic approach to overall wellness. The routine and purpose that Circle Center has given her mother again and a return to a true sense of community has made Circle Center the best place for Francine. "She is no longer agitated and stuck at home" and for someone as vibrant, accomplished and independent as Francine, this makes a world of difference.