Testimonials

Testimonials Past and Present

“I just want you to know how much we appreciate your services. My husband really enjoys all the volunteers who are always so nice to him. The activities they plan for the group are really helpful and beneficial to his mental health. Knowing that my husband is in a safe and caring environment allows me to enjoy time to myself.” Ann Stewart

“I find the staff of Mindful Care to be nothing but caring and helpful. They are top-notch professionals! I am so appreciative of the kindness they have shown to my grandmother. I always feel at ease knowing that she will be cared for and shown the dignity she deserves.” Lindy Stem

“(Mindful Care) has changed my life. I’m able to stay positive even if I have a bad Monday because I know my grandmother will go to ‘social club’ tomorrow.”  Robin Maddox

“Families who are providing round-the-clock care for an older loved one who has memory-loss are in need of relief, so we hope to reach additional caregivers at that crucial time when they reach out to find a day program for their loved one that provides nurturing group activities and that all-important time for friendship.”  Tina O’Brien, founder and executive director, Mindful Care

We received this recently from our friend Linda Cathey:

“Over 2 years ago while crying and frantically searching the internet in the middle of the night, I came across the advertisement for Elders First Adult Day Services … now known as Mindful Care Adult Day Services. My elderly mom who has Alzheimer’s Disease, Vascular Dementia, Prurigo Nodularis, CHF, Diabetes and other significant health issues had been living with my husband and me for over 1 ½ years at that point. I could hardly sleep, just waiting for them to open their doors at New Vision Church on Thompson Lane so that I could call to see if my mom was appropriate for their program.

I was given the most gracious greeting and have been comfortable with their staff from that first interaction. We have been taking my mom to her “Club” now for nearly 2 ½ years. On our way to her first day at Mindful Care, I told her that they weren’t aware yet, but would soon meet their “Club President.” She laughed and was anxious to meet their members where she today is considered a “Princess.” My mom’s days previously consisted of sleeping on our living room couch most of the day with her dentures hanging out on her chin. It wasn’t a pretty sight, but one worth mentioning. Our immediate family members and support system consist of my son, daughter-in-law, 2 granddaughters, me and my husband. She loves us all dearly, but had many emotional needs of her own that we didn’t know how to meet. She had many frustrated outbursts for us which left us feeling upset. She has always had a “best friend” with whom she could share conversations, frustrations and interactions. She raised her family in Charleston, West Virginia and was now living hundreds of miles away from those friends and her other daughter and son and their families. She didn’t have a hobby that we were aware of. She had very little interest in television, interactive games or even talking about her life. She was sad and we didn’t know how to bring her out of her shell.

Her interaction at Mindful Care with the staff and other participants has given her that missing link. They exercise/dance in their chairs, take short walks, toss a huge beach ball between the participants, work puzzles, play lots of memory games and engage them in activities with others while soothing music is playing in the background. One day, she came home with a page from a word search puzzle which she didn’t have time to complete while there. She wouldn’t set it down at home until it was finished. Upon realizing that she did have an interest, we acquired many books for her use at home, in the car, on trips, etc. She works on these word search puzzles to the point that we have to remind her to take a break from them. She has shown an interest in assembling picture puzzles and playing games with us and our granddaughters. She is now an “expert” at playing the card game “Uno.” She loves all of the art projects at Mindful Care. One of her favorite activities is painting small wooden birdhouses. We display them for her on our backyard fence. She takes great pride in her efforts. We have beautiful birds that love to visit our neighborhood. We have purchased a large birdhouse and keep it full of seeds so she can watch the birds. We have observed and learned the activities she participates in at Mindful Care and have been able to duplicate them in our own home to keep her more engaged with our family activities. You can readily see why we were in desperate need of the services of this adult daycare program.

The daily pressures of caring for someone with a mind altering disease can weigh you down to the point that when you finally get that much needed rest, have a clear mind and time to yourself; you still can’t seem to make significant accomplishments. We have been able to do far more than we ever imagined when we first walked through the doors at Mindful Care. While my mom’s time is occupied; we are able to take care of our own health needs, exercise, enjoy “special” time with our granddaughters, participate in Alzheimer’s Disease support group meetings, have a leisurely lunch and shop for our household without worrying about her not wanting to be involved in those chores. We are excited when we come up with some of our own ways to jog her memory at home. We have recently brought out old pictures which have initiated conversations of her childhood.

Thanks to the careful attention and interaction of those at Mindful Care; my mom now displays self-esteem, self-worth and is generally a happy person despite her ongoing health issues and progressing Alzheimer’s disease. We are truly indebted to the dependable staff and volunteers of Mindful Care who make our life “bright and hopeful” even in a situation that could be hopeless and desperate. Needless to say, they have been lifesavers for us on many fronts.”

by Linda Cathey, caregiving daughter

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