First Circle Friends has provided our community with a much-needed service and is a lifeline for caregivers who need a break from the unending duties of caring for a loved one. But it is more. First Circle Friends groups are a fun and engaging social time for those with early to mid-stage memory loss—it gets them out of the house and promotes their well-being. And still more, the volunteers who become friends with participants and other volunteers have discovered an important and rewarding avenue of service—one that rewards them each time they participate. The purpose of First Circle Friends is to provide a benefit to the three groups of people involved- volunteers, participants, and caregivers.
This community, collaborative program assists families by offering fun, food and fellowship for those suffering from memory loss, meeting twice monthly from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It offers loved ones or caregivers an opportunity to rest, run errands or spend time with friends to renew their energy for their care giving role. The program is volunteer based and additional volunteers are always welcome.
An open house will be held Tuesday, October 11, from 6:00-8:00 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 819 S. 5th St. Clinton, to give those who are interested an opportunity to see how First Circle Friends can help. Activities to be held during that time will replicate an actual session. There will be games, food, music crafts, sharing and more. Caregivers are invited to bring loved ones and those who might wish to volunteer are encouraged to come.
With aging, it’s perfectly normal to forget things from time to time. Dementia is a general term for loss of memory and other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is caused by physical changes in the brain. One common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s, a serious disease that destroys brain cells, causes severe memory loss and confusion and makes even the most basic activities increasingly more difficult to handle. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in eight older Americans has Alzheimer’s disease.
Most people know someone – a spouse, parent, grandparent or friend – who has been affected by early- to mid-stage memory loss. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 80% of care provided at home is delivered by family caregivers.
Those who are currently experiencing family issues such as these are welcomed to see how First Circle Friends can help.
Funding provided by United Way of Clinton County, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Thrivent, Immanuel Lutheran Church, and Jesus Christ Prince of Peace Catholic Church assures that anyone who qualifies may participate regardless of ability to pay.
Questions about the open house or the program may be directed to Rev. Paul Holmer, 563-321-0030 or lead volunteer, Mary Wilson, 563-212-9382.