A Day Off for Metro Detroit Caregivers Looking After Loved Ones Living with Dementia to be Held on Sunday April 19 in West Bloomfield

Photo by Jsme MILA 

This year the free program will offer an inspiring art project alongside yoga, massage, music and much more; free respite care available so caregivers can enjoy the day.

 SOUTHFIELD, Mich.– Metro Detroiters who take care of loved ones living with dementia are invited to a free day-long program on Sunday April 19 dedicated to their own well-being and enjoyment and which also includes respite care. “A Day Off for Caregivers” is being offered by The Dorothy and Peter Brown Jewish Community Adult Day Program, a joint initiative of Gesher Human Services and Jewish Senior Life,  which provides innovative and engaging activities and care for those living with dementia along with support for their families at its two centers in West Bloomfield and Southfield.  The event will offer yoga, massage, music therapy, delicious food, and new this year, an art project. There will also be educational activities such as Brown Center Jeopardy, designed to provide insight, resources and support to caregivers. “A Day Off for Caregivers”, open to people of all faiths and beliefs, will be held from 10.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Soul Café (5586 Drake Road, West Bloomfield); from 10 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. respite care for those living with dementia will be provided at the nearby Brown Center (6720 W. Maple Rd, West Bloomfield).  For images of a previous Caregivers Day Off click here.

Brown Program Director Debi Banooni,

said that the bi-annual program allows caregivers to do activities that are not a task or essential job related to the care of their loved one.  “It offers an opportunity to gain emotional support from others in similar situations, plus enjoyable and relaxing activities like massage and yoga,” she explained.

This year’s new art project, which will be directed by an art instructor, is being offered to help caregivers take a feeling of well-being back to their homes to revisit during challenging times. “Attendees will decorate a container with words of encouragement and support, then fellow attendees will impart their own words of wisdom too. Our aim is to help caregivers feel less isolated and feel the community’s support,” explained Banooni.

While caregivers have their special day, loved ones with dementia will also have an enjoyable experience. Expert staff at the Brown Center will offer special programming including music games and more, and snacks and lunch will be provided too.

There are 35 spaces available for the event. To register for the program, call Sharilyn Rowe at 248.592.5032 preferably by April 6 or email her at srowe@jslmi.org. Verbal confirmation is required for registration to be complete. Caregivers Day Off is sponsored by the Dee dee and Michael Perlman Caregivers Fund. For more information on the Brown Program, visit brownadultday.org.

About Gesher Human Services

Gesher Human Services is a non-profit organization providing a bridge to hope and opportunity for people at work, at home, and in the community. It is dedicated to helping people across metro Detroit lead more stable and fulfilling lives through workforce development, career mobility, behavioral health, inclusion programming, and residential services that serve all metro Detroiters while meeting the needs of the Jewish community. The organization works with job seekers, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and the broader community to provide the skills, support, and equitable opportunities necessary for people to succeed. Gesher draws on over 110 years of combined experience to facilitate equitable employment opportunities and enhance mental health outcomes for Metro Detroiters. With a network of almost 500 employees and volunteers across more than 25 locations in southeast Michigan, Gesher delivers a continuum of services and support that directly impacts the lives of nearly 34,000 individuals and families annually. More information at www.geshermi.org.

About Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit

Founded in 1907, Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit (JSL) provides six inclusive residential independent living, assisted living and memory care communities with a continuum of care on two campuses in West Bloomfield and Oak Park, Michigan. JSL enhances the lives of older adults, embraces Jewish values, nurtures a sense of community, and celebrates life through innovative enrichment programs and services that support the social, physical, cultural, and spiritual wellness of all participants. JSL is a nonprofit organization that welcomes people of all faiths and beliefs. Visit https://jslmi.org/.