There are researchers all over the world working to find a cure for Alzheimer’s or other dementia before the disease even has a chance to take hold in a person’s life. There are also very hopeful drugs in the pipeline that may improve the quality of life for those people who have already been diagnosed and who wake up every morning to face another day with memory loss.
However, Erik and Kristen Berkey are more concerned with supporting people who are living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia right now. They are doing something about that by starting construction on Thelma’s Place, a non-profit Day Respite Center for people with memory loss, due to open this fall.
Although new to Central Oregon, Thelma’s Place originated in Canby, Oregon in 2009 and has these goals:
• Giving a fun, safe place to come to each week to socialize, learn memory enhancing exercises, enjoy day trips, participate in games and creative arts as well as have lunch with other people who are also living with memory loss.
• Providing education, support, hope, and encouragement for the caregiver who has a 24/7 job that many fell heir to without much training or even prior consent.
• Providing caregivers with a few hours of respite each week from their responsibilities so they can rest and recharge their own batteries to carry on for another day.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “There are an estimated 5.3 million Americans with Alzheimer’s. That number will grow as the size and proportion of the U. S. population age 65 and older continue to increase. By 2025, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease is estimated to reach 7.1 million—a 40% increase. By 2050 it may nearly triple from 5.3 million to a whopping 13.8 million unless there is a medical breakthrough to cure or prevent the disease.”
Caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia is a journey that no family should have to take alone. It is essential to have the assistance of people who understand the process of the different types of dementia and the effect it has on both the person with the disease as well as their caregivers. Thelma’s Place provides this help and it is just the first phase of an Alzheimer’s care community being planned by the Berkeys for Central Oregon.
The entire $3 million project designed by Redmond architect, Bill Schertzinger, will be built by Arland T. Keeton of Keeton King Contracting from Sisters. In addition to Thelma’s Place it includes Country Side Living, a Memory Care Community for 35 residents located on NW Canal Road in Redmond, which is expected to open in the fall of 2015.
For information about the Day Respite Center or how to become involved by donating your time, money or talent to Thelma’s Place call Kristen at 503-312-7270. All donations are tax deductible.
Kristen Berkey
kristen@countrysideliving.com
503-312-7270
