Sometimes I think I’m going crazy, even though it is my Dad who has dementia. Thank goodness for the Adult Care Center here in Winchester. It has been good for both my Dad and me.

He has been attending the Center for 2 years. Before that, his day basically consisted of sitting in his chair, with his dog, and doing some reading. Mostly he slept in his chair. He had very little social interaction beyond my husband and myself. He sometimes said socially inappropriate things. He was reaching the point that he didn’t want to go out, and I couldn’t leave him alone with any peace of mind.

I needed a place he could go where his brain would be stimulated, where he’d have some company, where he’d have to move around for a bit of physical activity, and where I’d be comfortable leaving him while I did the things I needed to do. The ACC answered those needs far beyond my  expectations.  He had people his own age, as well as an enthusiastic staff to laugh and talk with; he had some other men to hang out with; he got some exercise walking up and down the hall, and he enjoyed some activities – particularly those related to food. It gave him something to look forward to two days a week. Most importantly, it turned out to be far more than just a babysitting service. The activities and routine are carefully planned to make it a warm, loving, and also a therapeutic environment that helps my Dad and the other participants maintain mental, physical, and social skills as much as possible.

Now, my Dad’s disease has advanced and he is much more difficult to deal with. Simple daily activities like getting up out of bed, going to the bathroom, or taking a shower are routinely a fight. Instructions and information have to be repeated several times. I am constantly amazed at the endless patience of the ACC staff in working with my Dad. I have been there as a volunteer for 4 and 5 hour stretches at a time and I’ve seen the staff in action. My Dad’s disease has progressed more slowly than what I read is typical; some of that I’ll credit to medication, but I’ll also credit some to music therapy, art therapy, horticulture activities and all the other things that go on each day.

The staff takes care of me too. I’ve cried on Jane’s shoulder more than once and she has listened and offered advice when I needed to pour out my frustration. I know Dana, the nurse, looks me over with the eye of a nurse as well as the eye of a friend. Jocelyn, a music therapist, has me on what I call my “stress reduction treatments": in her chair. I receive support in various was from each one of the staff (and hope I provide them with support too) in working with my Dad and dealing with the moments of frustration.

-- Diane Shipe