For caregivers like Rachel Mannlein-Hochman, who is caring for her mom, caregiving is exhausting. Her mom, Sharon Mannlein, has a type of dementia that affects her vision but, thankfully, does not affect her joy. Fortunately, Rachel and Sharon found renewed joy in a program called Hands of Hope, a new respite program in Middletown, DE, tailored to offer relief to caregivers and a safe, nurturing environment for those affected by dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. 

“I reached out to Easterseals looking for resources to help my mom with engagement and socialization,” Rachel, of Middletown, DE, says. “I knew Easterseals would help direct me in the right direction.”

Developed through a partnership between Bethesda United Methodist Church and Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore with support from Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter, the Hands of Hope Respite Program is offered at the church from nine to noon every other Saturday. Participants engage in activities such as music, games, movement exercises, art, and mission projects with the assistance of community volunteers. This respite ministry is designed for participants who are independent, ambulatory, and capable of attending to their own personal care needs. 

“I love this program because my mom loves it so much,” Rachel says. “It brings me joy to see my mom so happy, and it is wonderful to watch her in the program. It is also nice for me to take a break from the constant stress. It is nice to disengage from each other and then come back together refreshed.”

While her mom enjoys activities and interacting with the volunteers, Rachel can take a break and catch up on errands and chores around the house. Recently, she used the break to go out to breakfast with her husband and her brother, who was visiting from out of town.

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, there are more than 34 million family caregivers in the U.S. One of the greatest needs of these caregivers is respite or a temporary relief for caregivers and families who are caring for children or adults with disabilities, chronic or terminal illness, or the elderly.

"The Alzheimer's Association feels passionately about providing as much support as possible to our community caregivers, particularly those supporting someone living with Alzheimer's or another dementia," said Kristina Fransel, Executive Director, Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter. "We are proud to support the Hands of Hope Respite Program, which is a win-win, providing needed breaks for caregivers while also offering important engagement opportunities which are vital to people living with dementia." 

Along with resources from Easterseals Community Outreach program, Rachel receives respite grant funding from Easterseals, which can be used to help pay for Hands of Hope. Rachel and Sharon are also exploring Easterseals Adult Day program since Sharon is thriving in the respite program.

“Easterseals is amazing with so many programs. Easterseals’ staff is experienced and knowledgeable. They provide programs for people with different challenges, and they bring joy,” Rachel says. “I am grateful the Hands of Hope program is available.”

To learn more about volunteering or participating, please contact: Mikab@bethesdaumcde.org, or 302-378-2313 or visit: www.middletownhope.com. Volunteers under the age of 16 are welcome with a parent or guardian present.

Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore is leading the way to an inclusive community through its innovative services, which include: children’s therapies, day programs for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, supported employment, senior services, recreational camping, respite services, and services for caregivers. To learn more about Easterseals, call 1-800-677-3800 or visit www.de.easterseals.com.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia-by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit www.alz.org.

Photo: Sharon is enjoying time in the Hands of Hope respite program, while her daughter and caregiver, Rachel, is able to take a much-needed break. While visiting, Sharon’s son, Jay Mannlein, of Laveen AZ, visited the Hands of Hope respite program. 

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