Respite provides relief to persons who are caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. Time away from caregiving responsibilities is essential to the well being of caregivers.  Respite care helps to reduce caregiver stress and assists with keeping individuals with Alzheimer's disease at home as long as possible.

Depending on where you live within the Greater Michigan Chapter, respite is available through a variety of ways including In-Home respite, Adult Day Programs or through the Respite Care Assistance Program.  We provide respite services directly in the Detroit Area (adult day programs and In-Home respite) and indirectly (Respite Care Assistance Program) in select counties. 

In-Home Respite

In-home respite provides a person caring for a loved one with dementia a break from their caregiving responsibilities.  A trained volunteer or respite aide will go to the person's home for up to four hours per week.  The level and type of care provided to the person with dementia depends on the needs of the individual.  We can provide limited personal care, companionship and individualized recreational activities based upon the person with dementia's interest and ability.  Some of the activities conducted during In-Home Respite Visits include: meals, exercise, reading, memory enhancing games, sensory activities, arts and crafts, cooking and reminiscing.  The benefits of being involved in activities includes but are not limited to: increased appetite, increased socialization, better sleep habits, increased mobility and a positive mood.  In-Home Respite Services are offered in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

Day Program

Adult day programs provide a person caring for a loved one with dementia a longer break from their caregiving responsibilities.  A person can attend the adult day program up to 8 hours per day.  Several activities are offered everyday and they include but are not limited to: music therapy, art therapy, intergenerational programming, exercise, reminiscing, sing-a-longs, memory enhancing games, social events, holiday celebrations, educational components, pet therapy and movement/dance therapy.  The benefits of attending a day program include: a decrease in the level of stress experienced by the caregiver, increased socialization for the person with dementia, increased appetite, better sleep habits and a positive mood.  The Alzheimer's Association - Greater Michigan chapter has two locations:

• Robert and RoseAnn Comstock Day Program is located in Detroit at 66 Lothrop Road.  Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am until 5:00 pm.
• Rebecca and Gary Sakwa Day Program is housed within our Metro Detroit office in Southfield, near Evergreen and Ten Mile road.  The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am until 5:00 pm.

Respite Care

The Respite Care Assistance Program provides financial assistance to caregivers who are providing care for persons who have Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia to secure respite services.  The availability of "Respite Scholarships" is dependant upon where you reside.  Please contact your local Alzheimer's office for availability and eligibility requirements.

For further information about Respite Services, please call (800) 272-3900, and ask to speak with a Helpline representative.