By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
For eight months, the Memory Lane program in Bowling Green has cared for local residents with memory issues and their families who need support.
The site at the Wood County Senior Center provides weekday socialization, activities, meals and nursing services. It offers a safe living environment, where families don’t have to worry about their loved one leaving the house or leaving the stove on.
But attendance at Memory Lane is low. So far, the Memory Lane program in Bowling Green averages eight people a day. The program has room for 22 people, with a staff ratio of one to six.
“We do have a lot of space left,” said Izzy Alaniz, director of the Memory Lane program. “We’re still in the growth process.”
The cost of the day care services are based on a sliding fee scale – based solely on the person receiving the services, not their family, Alaniz said.
Alaniz said she senses there are many more families who could benefit from the Memory Lane program.
“We know there’s a need,” she said. “We get a lot of calls, with quite a few people stopping in. But it’s a matter of timing for people – whether they are ready yet.”
The Memory Lane program is designed to care for people with memory difficulties and for their families who want to keep their loved one at home, but also need care during the day so they can work or get respite. Care is provided for adults with cognitive issues brought on by dementia, strokes or head injuries.
The need for such services is growing as more older adults have long term care needs, as smaller family sizes mean fewer care options, as home care options become more limited, and as more caregivers remain in the workforce.
Adult day centers provide caregivers with a much-needed break, allow them to continue working and attend to their own needs while giving individuals with memory loss an opportunity to socialize, receive care and participate in programming within a safe, supportive atmosphere.
For example, when the program in Bowling Green first opened, a retired professor in the program was anxious in his new environment. After discussions with a family member about his interests, Alaniz decided to try playing a football highlight reel to relieve the anxiety the man was feeling. It worked, and on that particular day as the highlight reel played, the retired professor clapped and laughed with joy at the spectacular skills caught on screen.
“When they come here they have a team of people to help care for them,” Alaniz said. And when their loved ones are cared for, their families no longer feel responsible for being with them 24-7.
“It gives family members and caregivers a respite,” she said.
The space at the senior center is furnished to provide a peaceful place. There is a quiet room with recliners, calming music and puzzles. There is a fenced in patio with a bench and bird feeders. There is a comfy couch with a thick afghan, a piano, tables and games, and a place for exercising.
Meals are provided by the senior center. Musicians perform at Memory Care once a week, with performances open to all at the senior center.
The space also includes handicapped restrooms and a shower, where staff can assist someone – especially if a caregiver at home is struggling with the task.
The Memory Care doors must be opened by staff, to avoid anyone from walking away from the facility.
To be enrolled in the program, people are no longer required to have a diagnosis of a memory problem, Alaniz said. Younger people with traumatic brain injuries, or people too weak to leave home alone may also be accepted.
Memory Lane at the senior center is currently open Mondays through Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. People are welcome to stop by for tours during hours of operation.
Anyone interested in the program may call 419-270-5200.
