Marco Dementia Respite Adds Additional Day and Fundraiser

Marco Dementia Respite (MDR) is a program for Marco area residents provided by local residents, that gives caregivers a hiatus while offering a safe, enjoyable and no-cost haven for loved ones with early-stage Alzheimer’s/Dementia. The demand for Alzheimer’s/Dementia programs is a new reality as Marco area residents live longer. Due to the positive response from the public, MDR is doubling their capacity to serve by adding a Friday program day to the existing Monday program effective this February. Applications are now being accepted for participants and volunteers.

Mary Beth Schrowang, MDR Clinical Social Worker, stated that “interested parties should call right away because we had our first day full before we started and with our current wait list, it appears our new Friday program could be the same.” During the four hours that participants attend MDR, there are new friendships formed, clapping and encouragement and much laughter. The nurturing, loving environment allows participants to relax while enjoying activities that include shared memories, daily themes, arts and crafts, brain fitness and gentle physical exercises, music, dog therapy and a healthy lunch, which is critical to maintaining cognitive health.

Additionally, in March there will be two major MDR events. On March 5, celebrating MDR’s first year, there will be a members-only event at Hideaway Beach, which is projected to be sold out quickly. On Monday, March 20, there will be a special event at the Island Country Club, 500 Nassau Road, Marco Island, which will be open to ICC members and the general public. Start time 6:00, dinner, live auction, dancing with music provided by Joe Marino and the Kingsmen, Country Club Casual attire. Tickets are $200 per person. For further information about the dinner dance at ICC, or to purchase tickets, call 239-642-6731 or 239-642-4044.

The Marco Dementia Respite program is held Mondays and Fridays, 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall at Wesley United Methodist Church on Marco Island. MDR falls under the 501(C)3 umbrella of WUMC. Tax-deductible donations are critical to allow MDR to continue and expand and can be made online at www.MarcoDementiaRespite.org or sent to Marco Dementia Respite, 350 S. Barfield Dr., Marco Island, Fl 34145. Caregivers of potential participants are encouraged to call 239-330-MDR3 (6373) to begin the screening process. If you are interested in volunteering, call MDR for an explanation on the various volunteer opportunities. Also, at 10:30 on program days, MDR offers a highly successful and expanding Caregivers Support Group.

For additional information, contact MDR at 239-330-MDR3 (6373).