Group eRespite
An interactive online experience for people living with memory loss designed to give their family caregivers a much-needed break.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2nd Half with Lyngblomsten is now offering an online Group eRespite program for persons experiencing early- to mid-stage memory loss and their family caregivers.
Our Group eRespite program was developed by professionals with years of experience serving persons with dementia (including through our award-winning in-person group respite program The Gathering). It provides one hour of engaging, creative activities for adults with memory loss and a break for their caregivers, allowing them to stay connected with their support network, to engage in activities that bring them joy, or simply to take a rest. The program is intentionally designed to meet each participant and caregiver on their journey, providing dignified, high-quality content that covers various dimensions of wellness, including physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual activities.
Participants (i.e., persons with memory loss) and their caregivers sign up for a weekly eRespite session. Sessions are held Monday–Thursday in the morning and afternoon. Each one-hour session is led by Lyngblomsten staff with a maximum of five participants. This low participant-to-staff ratio ensures each individual receives personalized attention. And by attending the same session each week, participants are able to connect and form friendships with others in their group.
Sessions are hosted online using Zoom, a video conferencing platform. Together, participants and staff stay engaged in 60 minutes of creative, brain-stimulating activities, including:
- Singing
- Storytelling
- Simple exercise activities
- Reminiscing and educational content
- Time to connect and socialize
- And more!
"Hearing Michael's deeply rooted laughter as Carolyn and Andrea engage the eRespite group for those challenged by Alzheimer’s is truly heartwarming for me. He loves the singing, the memories evoked, the sharing with other group members. Even though he doesn't remember what the group is when it is time to start, he always ends with a smile and a lightning of his spirit. His time spent in group also means welcome time for me to pay bills, send cards to friends, and read uninterrupted. So many gifts to us and so much appreciation from us both. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
-Jane, Caregiver
2nd Half with Lyngblomsten is filling open spots for its Group eRespite program. Morning sessions are currently being offered, and afternoon sessions will begin in mid-February 2021. Space is limited, so inquire soon.
Contact us at (651) 632-5320 or caregiving@lyngblomsten.org and indicate you’d like to participate in our Group eRespite program. Prior to enrollment, each participant and caregiver will meet with a 2nd Half with Lyngblomsten staff member for an assessment via Zoom. Each caregiver is asked to make a monthly contribution based on a sliding fee scale.
Lyngblomsten Caregiver Services is supported, in part, by gifts made to the Lyngblomsten Foundation and is funded under contract with Trellis as part of the Older Americans Act.
