Here's a nice, wide-ranging article in the Crozet Gazette about innovative programs in the area that serve older adults and caregivers, featuring Hope Harlow, JABA’s assistant director for center services and health education, who oversees our centers, and Sheri Lutz, JABA’s assistant director for community services, who oversees the response to requests for help that come into JABA every day.

Here are some excerpts:

"Hope Harlow, JABA’s assistant director for center services and health education, who oversees the centers, said the biggest problem she sees is that families wait too long before taking advantage of this service [our Respite and Enrichment Centers (REC) in Charlottesville and Louisa], as it has significant benefits for those at earlier stages of dementia, and for the families who might have enjoyed more time with young children, or at their jobs, to do errands, or pursue their own interests."

"....Sheri Lutz also has some words of advice for those wanting to help the caregivers among their families and friends.

“People are often thrown into caregiving suddenly,” said Sheri. “Make sure to listen carefully to their needs, share information about resources you know about, regularly give them a break, help with some simple daily tasks, and show up exactly at the time you arranged.” By necessity, caregivers often plan their days with very little time to spare, she said: “If you say you’re going to do something, be sure to do it.”