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Sharing Hearts moves
into second year
Published Wednesday, July 15
By L.A. Story
Staff Writer
A local program may see some expansion in the fall as Sharing Hearts - an Alzheimer's day care center ‹ moves on in to their second year.
Sharing Hearts began in November 2007 with two clients, according to Sharing Hearts Director Becky Dalton.
"When we started, we had only two and my mother was one of them - which is one reason why my heart was already in this. The program rapidly grew to 10 members," Dalton recalled.
With deaths and some members becoming bed bound, the numbers have risen and fallen around the 10-member mark, said Dalton. However, the program has shown enough success that - if finances are available - the director said they hope to expand the program to 15 members and extend the hours from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. some time this fall. (Currently, the program runs from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. every Tuesday.)
Sharing Hearts is a non-profit program ‹ having been awarded grants from both the Create and CARE Foundations. Fees for the program are $10 per month. To qualify for the program, a member has to have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease or dementia.
Dalton explained that the purpose of Sharing Hearts is to give respite care to caregivers and social interaction for those who suffer from Alzheimer's Disease. The program is based on the "best friend model" where each participant is assigned a volunteer for the whole day to care for their needs. Each volunteer is trained by the Alzheimer's Association.
The participants have a full day in the Sharing Hearts program and they appear to enjoy every moment of their time as can be attested to by their wide smiles. They begin each Tuesday with music and devotional being provided by different churches and others in the community. Music and entertainment are often provided by local organizations. For example, Sharing Hearts participants recently enjoyed a dance performance by girls in the Lighthouse Foundation's summer tutoring program.
Participants are given a meal which is provided by different churches each week. They also have crafts they can do, as well as time for physical activity. The most popular events with the members, according to Dalton, is "balloon volleyball."
"Balloon volleyball is the favorite with the members. We've tried other activities but they always want to come back to that one," said Dalton. Volunteers are vital to the program and Dalton has several with Sharing Hearts. One volunteer, Trish Henderson, said she began volunteering for the program after she brought her mother-in-law as a member. Henderson said she just fell in love with the older people and enjoys helping them very much.
Dalton noted that she had several great volunteers with varying backgrounds such as nurses, teachers and nurse aides.
"You really have to have the heart and mind for helping these people," said Henderson.
The Sharing Hearts Board of Directors includes Dennis Smith, Becky Williams, Dujuana Frazier Thompson and medical director, Dr. Amy Davis.
The Sharing Hearts day care program is held from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. every Tuesday at First Baptist Church, located at 501 Main Street in Corinth. For more information about Sharing Hearts, or to become a volunteer, contact the church office at (662) 286-2208.
