The FamilyMeans "Day Out!" program is a caregiver support program offered every Friday at our Stillwater location. At it, care recipients come and participate in varying activities for four hours, giving the caregiver some time to run errands, relax, or do whatever else may be needed.
This unique program was a recent feature in the local Pioneer Press newspaper. In it, they highlighted the story of Ed Gasper, 84, who suffered a stroke 10 years ago. He now suffers from short-term memory loss and has impaired vision. He moved to Baytown Township to live with his daughter, Cathy O'Keefe, and her family. Cathy shared her story with the Pioneer Press, saying that when Ed attends the Day Out! program, it frees her up to do whatever she needs - or wants - to do.
"Sometimes I just go home and do yard work," O'Keefe said. "I don't have to worry about him being in the house. Just whatever I can get done, I get done."
In the article, Ed talks about his love for singing, and how he enjoys being able to do so at the Day Out! program. Below is a video taken during a recent Day Out! program showing just such activities:
You can read the entire article on the Pioneer Press website. If you'd like to learn more about FamilyMeans' Caregiver Support program, you can visit our website.