Broome County churches offer caregivers monthly respite programs

Above: Verna Friedman, left; talks to Bea Aird during a Saturday respite program held once a month at St. Mary’s Church in Kirkwood. Friedman is a volunteer and parishioner while Aird enjoys attending the program each month. Photo Credit | Connie McKinney

By Connie McKinney, Contributing writer

Laurie Hulbert, a parishioner at St. Mary’s Church in Kirkwood, knows how difficult it can be to take care of an elderly loved one at home.

She took care of both her mother and her father-in-law before their passing. That’s why she jumped at the chance to lead a monthly respite program for caregivers held at the church hall.

“I knew there was a need,” she said.

The program at St. Mary’s is one of four free, faith-based Saturday respite programs for Broome County caregivers. St. Anthony of Padua Church in Endicott hosts the program during the first Saturday of the month followed by Grace Lutheran Church in Vestal on the second Saturday, St. Mary’s in Kirkwood on the third Saturday and St. Vincent de Paul Blessed Sacrament Church in Vestal on the fourth Saturday. Some participants attend a different program every Saturday while others choose to attend just one.

People caring for an elderly relative can drop their relative off at the program and get some much-needed time off to go shopping, have lunch with a friend or just relax for a few hours, Hulbert said.

“It’s a good opportunity for the caregivers to get a break,” she said. “It gives them an opportunity to leave their loved one in a trusted place with trusted people and know that they’re going to be looked after.”

Those attending don’t have to be members of the church that hosts the program, but they do need to register in advance, Hulbert said.

While caregivers get some time off, their loved ones can play games such as trivia and beach volleyball, work on puzzles and enjoy some lunch, Hulbert said. On a recent Saturday, she led participants and volunteers in some chair exercises.

Between three and six seniors usually attend each month. “We’re hoping to grow those numbers,” she said, as word about the program increases.

Some program participants have dementia or other illnesses. Others are there for the socialization including 88-year-old Bea Aird of Windsor.

“I spend a lot of time alone,” she said. “I thought this would be a wonderful opportunity to meet people in my age bracket and get some stimulation.”

Aird said she looks forward to attending the program every month and encourages other seniors to try it.

“Everyone here is so friendly,” she said. “I felt welcome the very first time I came.”

Each participant gets a smile and a friendly welcome from several volunteers including Verna Friedman, a longtime St. Mary’s parishioner. She said she was looking to become more involved in her church after her husband died 10 years ago. She became a lector, Eucharistic minister and volunteer for the respite program when it started last year.

“It’s very rewarding,” she said. “You meet some really great people — older people that have a lot to offer.”

Friedman and Aird have become good friends. Both women share a common bond, having both been nurses, Friedman said.

Friedman said she likes to volunteer with older people because it can be a difficult time of life.

“As you grow older, your friendship circle diminishes,” as family and friends start to pass away, she said. “There’s so many people who are lonely.”

The respite program provides socialization, stimulation and a caring atmosphere for those who attend. “It gives them a chance to get out,” she said.

And, Friedman added, volunteers enjoy the respite program as much as participants do. “I look forward to this day. I have fun,” she said. “I love to talk to people. I’m a people person.”