Family members call Hope Network program “a heaven sent” for their loved ones

Dec. 29, 2009 - PRLog -- GRAND RAPIDS, MICH – “The Side By Side program gives my husband a sense of purpose to get up in the morning,” said Sue Valentine, a full-time caregiver for her husband Ed. “He did not have that before.” Sue and many other caregivers provide the day-to-day needs for their family members who struggle with illnesses.

With many family caregivers working around the clock for their loved ones, their own lives tend to take the wayside. While many still need to work and tend to a family of their own, Hope Network Behavioral Services offers the Side By Side program for caregivers who need relief from the day-to-day care giving of a dependent family member with Alzheimer’s or other dementia

The program provides enrichment activities for the loved one such as gardening, art, dance, and music in a natural and therapeutic setting. The program is designed to maintain or improve social, educational, psychological and physical disabilities of the individual, and to provide a positive impact on body, mind and spirit.

As the primary caregiver for her husband, Sue pours her strength into his every day needs. They do not have any other family in the area to help care for him on a daily basis. She calls Side By Side a “god-send” and relates that Ed is a kinder, gentler man since attending the program. Ed attends 4-5 days a week and enjoys reading, the Green Thumb program and Tai Chi.

Cheryl Chambers, another primary full-time caregiver is involved in Sided By Side with her mother, Norma. “My mind is at ease because they take such good care of her,” said Cheryl. “They take care of her like she was their mother. It is just a relief. It's a wonderful program.”  

“She stayed healthy with the activities that they do.  It was the best thing,” said Cheryl. “It turns out more like a family - I can't say enough good things about them, they are just, it was heaven sent for me, it was just God telling me to make the first call” she continued.

About Hope Network:
Hope Network is a non-profit Christian organization founded in 1963 to empower people with disabilities or disadvantages to achieve their highest level of independence.  We provide a continuum of specialized care for those with brain and spinal cord injuries, mental illness, developmental disabilities, and other disadvantages.  Our support services include transportation, subsidized housing, case management, community based services and workforce development.  Hope Network cares for the whole person addressing the social, mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.  With corporate offices in Grand Rapids, Hope Network provides services in 170 plus locations, by 2,100 staff to people in more than 50 counties.  In 2008, we served almost 13,000 people throughout Michigan.  For more information, please visit www.hopenetwork.org.