ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS EVENT PLANNED

On Wednesday, March 14, Empower will host an awareness event on Alzheimer’s Disease for families of loved ones who have Alzheimer’s Disease.  Staff from Niagara County Office for the Aging, Alzheimer’s Association and Empower for Elders will be available to answer questions about the disease and about programs available to assist you and your loved one.  The program will be held from 1 – 3 pm at Empower for Elders, which is located at 8962 Porter Rd. in the Town of Niagara.  Admission is free.  To reserve your spot, please contact Karen at (716) 371-0728 or ksmith@empower-wny.org.

EMPOWER FOR ELDERS FAMILIES GRATEFUL FOR RESPITE

Mary Ann Zahradnik, whose husband, Frank has Alzheimer’s Disease and attends Empower for Elders, expressed her gratitude for the program in a letter to the editor that was recently submitted to the Niagara Gazette.

As a caregiver of someone with Alzheimer’s, I am writing to let others in similar circumstances know about Empower for Elders, which has given me back my life.

Five years ago, my husband, Frank went from being my rock and partner to no longer recognizing or having any interaction with me or our family. Having been married 61 years, we have been through a lot, like most people, but nothing prepared me for the physical and emotional toll that his disease has taken.

Before Empower for Elders, I hired someone to come in and help a few hours a week, but, mostly, I cared for Frank myself.

I was against placing him in any program because I thought I could do it myself, but it was becoming too much.  On a friend’s suggestion, I toured Empower for Elders, and decided to sign Frank up based on its non-institutional atmosphere and truly caring staff.

I take Frank four days a week, and he seems to enjoy it. While he is there, I can relax, spend time with family and partially resume my real estate duties, something I dearly missed.

For better or worse does not have to mean that you are superseded by your loved one’s care. There is help out there. I highly recommend Empower for Elders.

SANTA VISITS EMPOWER FOR ELDERS

Santa took time out of his busy toy-making schedule to visit the Empower for Elder holiday party, spreading cheer and delighting participants.