OLDER ADULTS RESPITE PROGRAM IS OPEN

A new program for individuals age 70 and older has been created in conjunction with Southeast Missouri State University's Eldercare Center.

The schedule at the Eldercare Center has also changed.

The new program, called Older Adults Respite Program, began this fall. Two days a week, individuals age 70 or older may attend.

"The respite program is for folks who need to get out of the house. It offers more supportive services (than the Eldercare Center)," said Cynthia Kothe, coordinator of both the Respite program and the Eldercare center.

The program provides transportation, lunch, information and referral, commodity distribution and activities.

"The activities we have planned during the day don't require as much physical movement and are physically less demanding," Kothe said.

The Respite program is open Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon.

The Eldercare Center is now open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for individuals age 60 or older who are interested in participating in educational programs.

"We have the Eldercare program going, but we found people whose needs we weren't serving. We wanted to offer a program to meet other needs."

She said most clients in both programs live in their own homes. "They want to be actively involved in the community. We have specially-designed programming just for them."

Kothe said teachers are trained to work with older adults.

The two programs are sponsored by the Department of Human Environmental Studies at Southeast Missouri State University.

Currently, there is no waiting list for either program. To schedule an appointment, call Kothe at 290-5944.