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Finding respite for caregivers

An adult day program is an excellent option for caregivers and their loved ones

Written by Lauren Glendenning
For the Summit Daily
Timberline Adult Day Program

To learn more about Timberline Adult Day Program, visit http://www.timberlineadultday.org or call Gini Patterson PT, executive director, at
970-668-2963.

Editor’s Note: Sponsored content brought to you by Timberline Adult Day Program

A Silverthorne participant and staff nurse enjoy harvesting the garden produce at Timberline’s facility located in the Summit Community & Senior Center
Courtesy of Gini Patterson, executive director

Summit County is fortunate to have its own adult day program as a place to help bridge the gap for families needing to take a break from the burden of caregiving. Timberline Adult Day Program, a nonprofit in Frisco, is an integral part of Summit’s healthy, age-friendly community as a respite care provider.

What is respite care?



Respite care is a temporary break from the demands of caring for an individual with health challenges, social isolation, dementia or special needs. Respite provides the caregiver an opportunity to manage their stress, maintain a job, engage in healthy lifestyle activities in the community, and helps preserve the family unit.

What is an adult day program?



An outing on Lake Dillon this summer was enjoyed by Timberline participants, volunteers and staff.
Courtesy of Gini Patterson, executive director

An adult day program engages participants who may be socially isolated, depressed, unable to drive or have physical or cognitive challenges, the opportunity to have a meaningful purpose to their day. It not only gives them access to programs that promote wellness and active aging, but also a place to feel safe, respected, and socially connected with their peers. An adult day program like Timberline provides skilled services such as nursing, physical therapy and care navigation support by a social worker. Outdoor educational experiences, a healthy meal, exercise, transportation, and art and music therapy programs are also benefits to attending a day program. Adult day is an affordable, low-cost solution to help delay the costly expense of ‘moving down the hill’ out of Summit County for memory care or assisted living care needs.

Are you a caregiver?

More than 50 percent of caregivers in Colorado work in addition to caring for their loved one. Research shows that early intervention using adult day programs can help decrease hospital stays for the caregiver, relieve caregiver stress, and delay or shorten skilled nursing home placement for the loved one being cared for at home. A participant’s daughter whose parents attend Timberline said,” My parents, both in their 80s, enjoy the interactions with the participants and staff. It gives them hope and something to look forward to each week. They feel they have a community of friends and support, and I can continue to work part-time.”

Another family member stated, ”As a primary caregiver, Timberline gives me the opportunity to have more freedom with my daily errands and leisure activities. For my son, Timberline has given him the opportunity to expand his social interactions and participate in a wonderful variety of activities.”

Wheelchair accessible transportation is provided for Timberline’s participants to enjoy daily outings in the community
Courtesy of Gini Patterson, executive director

Do you volunteer?

Summit County has more than 100 nonprofit organizations that rely on volunteers to help sustain and enrich their programs. Timberline is no exception. Volunteerism gives purpose to your day and provides a social outlet — both important, proven factors that contribute to longevity. Become a reading buddy, share your love for music or art, help with community outings or become a friend for someone who is isolated.

Elevate your life!

For volunteer informaiton, contact volunteer coordinator Libby Popkova RN at libby@timberlineadultday.org, or call 970-668-2952.


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