BACOA's Adult Day Program Provides an Engaging Program For the Memory-Challenged and Respite for Caregivers

Helen Wilk's memory was declining long before her daughter realized it was a problem.

"I visited mom every other week," said Barrington-area resident Pam Kocian "I didn't see that she was having trouble. When she came to live with me, it became clear that mom had cognitive-related issues."

That's when Kocian found the Barrington Area Council on Aging's "A Day Out" Respite Program, a program designed to engage those with memory loss and provide respite to caregivers.

"The program is designed to provide socialization and improve the quality of life for those with mild or early stage memory loss," said BACOA's Social Service Coordinator Bonnie Scherkenbach. "We also incorporate special therapies which really engage our participants."

The program is offered in partnership with Barrington's Lutheran Church of the Atonement, which is also where the program operates.

BACOA integrates special therapies into its cognitive-related programs, which studies illustrate help slow down the progression of dementia-related diseases. Participants engage in special art, music, dance, pet and nature therapies which allow challenged adults to freely express themselves and meaningfully engage in life.

BACOA's "A Day Out" Respite program is held 10 times monthly and special therapies are integrated each day the program is held.

The program requires a pre-attendance interview and can be scheduled by calling BACOA at 847-381-5030.