BACOA's respite program expands 'A Day Out'

The Barrington Area Council on Aging is offering an additional day of "A Day Out," its adult day respite program offered at Lutheran Church of the Atonement in Barrington.

It is now held on Mondays, as well as Thursdays, from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

The program, the only one of its kind in Barrington, serves persons who have mild cognitive or physical impairments and provides social, intellectual and emotional support and stimulation - as well as respite for primary caregivers. Activities include reminiscence activities, board/table games, crafts, light physical activity, discussion of current events, and musical programs or performances.

Participants include people who have early-stage memory loss, or people who have no memory loss, but have other health issues and are in need of socialization opportunities. Because this program is a social model, rather than a medical model, all participants are required to be able to toilet, eat, and take medications independently. Participants will be screened to determine appropriateness for the program.

A BACOA staff member, who is a licensed professional counselor, directs the program, assisted by specially trained volunteers.

Cost is $35 a day. To apply for the program or for more information, call Bonnie Scherkenbach at BACOA at (847) 852-3890.