Carondelet hosts Alzheimer's program

Since suggesting the idea, the Sisters of St. Joseph have hosted a program to serve people with dementia and assist their caregivers at their provincial house in Latham.

Bright Horizons at Carondelet had its genesis in 2004 when nuns at St. Joseph's Provincial House raised the growing issue of Alzheimer's disease and dementia with the Colonie Senior Service Centers. 

Officials at the town agency seized on the idea and the provincial house responded in kind.

"I think they saw a great need for a site," said Sister Grace Bacon, CSJ, who has been involved with the program since it began in November of 2004.

Keeping busy
The program provides a supervised environment for people with Alzheimer's and dementia, providing caregivers a respite and keeping participants active. Some are even able to volunteer and help others with crafts, "remembrance activities" and socializing. 
For clients and volunteers, the program aims to provide care as well as a sense of purpose, self-worth and dignity.

Mary Daikos, director of Bright Horizons, has been involved in the field of Alzheimer's and dementia for about 10 years. She had a personal motivation for entering this line of work.

"A family friend hired me to care for her aunt who had Alzheimer's and the experience changed my life," she said. "It was just an amazing experience for me to connect with somebody on that level; we did everything together."

Joint venture
Mrs. Daikos, who has been with Bright Horizons for about a year and a half, credits the Sisters of St. Joseph for the effort put in the dementia program.
She pointed out that they provided the impetus and energy for hosting this arm of Bright Horizons. 

Meanwhile, Sister Grace Bacon praised the workers and everyone else involved.
"Absolutely," Sister Grace said when asked if she was pleased with the organization. "It's a wonderful, loving, caring, supportive family setting. Everyone works as a team."
Mrs. Daikos seconded the successful cooperation. 

"The people we have working here, the staff and the volunteers, they're just so open and willing to love other people they've met that have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and dementia," said Mrs. Daikos. "To be able to get that love back is very special."
The patients have also had a positive impact on the group, both as a whole and individually.

"I just think that the seniors bring us great joy also," said Sister Grace. "They are wonderful to work with."

(12/04/08)