A pilot program in Rye and neighboring towns offers two hours of free respite care for those caring for loved ones with dementia.
Called Cluster Care, the program was introduced at a recent meeting of the Rye Seniors Club at Rye Rec by SPRYE and Koi Health.
More than 40 Rye Rec members listened as Koi co-founders Shaf Shahirah and Amanda Huang explained that caregivers need a break from the grind of constantly attending to the needs of older adults, especially those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
The two received a $200,000 grant from the Robin Hood Foundation to launch their start-up service in the metropolitan area. SPRYE (Staying Put in Rye and its Environs), the local nonprofit organization for seniors aged 55 and over, became the Westchester liaison for Rye, Rye Brook, Port Chester, and Harrison.
“The idea is to give family caregivers of people living with dementia a well-deserved break,” Shaf said. “We also support families who don’t yet have help at home. Our aides are qualified and certified. And we’re here to help.”
The initial program begins with Cluster Care Phase 1 companionship services for the first four weeks, basically a getting-to-know-you phase consisting of companionship and engagement, meal preparation, and light housekeeping tied to client care as well as tech support.
At the end of that time, the Phase 2 program adds assistance with feeding, dressing, bathing, toileting, mobility support, medication reminders, meal preparation, safety supervision, accompanied walks, errands. and light shopping including grocery and pharmacy needs.
Area residents living with memory loss or dementia and family caregivers caring for a loved one with dementia are eligible.
SPRYE’s president, Patrick Koechlin, has dealt with having a family member with dementia.
“I asked a family member whether it was all right for me to go watch a relative play volleyball in Stamford, and she looked at her caregiver to see if it was all right, and when the caregiver said OK, she said OK too,” he said. “And then she embraced her caregiver and said: ‘I love you.’ That’s how much her caregiver means to her. And to my family. Our caregiver works so hard. And deserves a break, a respite from her caregiving.”
That’s where Koi comes in.
The Westchester program is scheduled to run Tuesdays at two-hour intervals though Dec.31.
And if you are wondering, in Feng Shui, koi refer to the ornamental carp fish, which are seen as powerful symbols of good fortune, harmony, balance, and perseverance.
“Our name is part of our Zen approach to helping the elderly,” said Shah.
