Some memory loss is a part of life for millions of Americans, with nearly 40% of people over 65 experiencing some impairment. According to the World Health Organization, a smaller number, roughly 5-8%, will experience dementia, with symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and the ability to track and organize daily tasks.
Dementia, a cruel illness, robs individuals of their memories and their independence. In addition to the devastating impact it can have on the individual, as it progresses, dementia demands more and more from those offering care. In many communities, resources are few and far between.
Tim’s Place was started to meet this need for the Sequim, Washington community. The program is a respite ministry providing vital support for individuals with memory loss and their caregivers. Started by Trinity United Methodist Church in August 2019, Tim’s Place was “a dream to help overwhelmed caregivers have some respite from their daily duties,” according to program director Rhonda Heyn.
The program offers a safe, welcoming space for participants and trained volunteers to build community together. At the same time, caregivers receive a break and an opportunity to recharge.
Respite programs like Tim’s Place are based on the understanding that caregivers often face significant emotional and physical burdens. Respite care allows them to take time for themselves, knowing that their loved ones are in good hands and receiving care and attention tailored to their needs.
Tim’s Place was named in honor of a church member’s husband, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. That member also provided the seed money to launch the ministry.
“Because there aren’t many resources on the Olympic Peninsula, we had to research programs in the Puget Sound area and across the country,” shared Heyn. “I found a volunteer-based community care program in Montgomery, Alabama (Respite Montgomery), which we decided to model our program after.”
The director of Respite Montgomery, Daphne Johnston, taught Heyn how to create and launch Tim’s Place. Subsequently, Johnson started the Respite for All Foundation to teach others how to start their own programs.
Tim’s Place offers four-hour sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week, and a similar program is offered on Wednesdays at another church in Sequim. The program currently serves 28 participants, only four of whom are church members.
Tim’s Place operates solely on donations, which is vital to keeping this program accessible to all families in need. While a $40 participant fee (which includes four hours of care and a nutritious lunch) is requested, the ministry is committed to ensuring that no one is turned away due to financial difficulties.
Trinity UMC had to work through some questions and challenges to start this ministry. According to Heyn, they considered whether the program would function better as a church ministry or spun off as a separate non-profit. For several reasons, including building use, fundraising and the church’s existing non-profit status, they decided to keep the ministry in-house, so to speak.
This decision aligns with the recommendations of the Respite for All model, which points to the efficacy of holding such programs within faith communities to keep program costs like insurance low. With potential volunteers and underused large rooms for programming, many churches have at least some of the resources to host such a program. While fundraising, volunteer recruitment and training were challenges as the program began, Trinity UMC did not have to start from scratch.
Program Director Rhonda Heyn is Tim’s Place’s only paid staff member, but dozens of church and community volunteers join her to make the program work.
“We can use volunteers from every walk of life, with every personality type. We have retired doctors, nurses, teachers, homemakers, engineers, and insurance adjusters. We have introverts and extroverts, and we need them all, as people with dementia are also very diverse in their personalities and preferences.”
Heyn shares that the program currently has 47 volunteers, with six more scheduled for training. Roughly 25% of those volunteers are from the church, with the balance coming from the larger community, though some have come to join the church. The volunteers bless the program with diverse gifts and talents.
“We like to see our program as a mix of a party, exercise class and continuing education, and anyone who can contribute their talents is welcome to share.”
Trained volunteers participate in activities with attendees, including brain games, memory exercises, crafts, music, chair yoga, and balloon volleyball. These activities build community and foster a sense of belonging and joy.
Every program has challenges, and Tim’s Place has several that indicate its success. In addition to the need to recruit new volunteers, they have reached the capacity of their space and need to institute a waitlist. Heyn assisted Dungeness Community Church, also in Sequim, in starting their respite program to ensure that caregivers have more opportunities for respite.
“We see the difference we are making in both the caregiver and program participants’ lives. Sometimes, we are even a lifeline,” Heyn shared. “We have several caregivers who have told us they would not be able to continue for their loved ones at home without our program.”
In a world where caregiving can be an all-encompassing role, ministries like Tim’s Place are essential. They bridge the gap between the needs of individuals with dementia and the immense challenges faced by caregivers. Tim’s Place brings hope and relief to families in Sequim, reaffirming the church’s commitment to support, love, and dignity for everyone.
To learn more or get involved, visit Tim’s Place.
To learn more about starting a respite care ministry, visit the Respite for All website.
