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by Jenni Ragland –
The Salvation Army Serendipity Adult Living Skills & Recreation center in Anchorage, Alaska, recently hosted Dr. Jeanette Takamura, assistant U.S. Secretary for Aging, during her visit to Alaska.
Takamura was there to introduce the National Family Caregiver Support program. One of four long-term care initiatives proposed by President Clinton, the program will help families sustain their efforts to care for older relatives with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities in each state.
“In communities like Alaska,” said Takamura, “where you may not have a wide array of services, we’d like to be able to enable the community to be as creative as possible so you can get help to the people who need assistance. This will be especially important as the Boomer population turns into older adults.” While at Serendipity, Takamura visited with clients and toured the Center before attending a private meeting with staff and caregivers to listen to concerns and suggestions.
The center is one of two Anchorage programs providing for the special needs of adults with physical or cognitive impairments. A variety of activities and supportive care are based on each client’s health and functional status. Activities include singing, chapel services, quilting and crafts, gardening, pet therapy and exercise. Approximately 40 are enrolled and attend the center during the week.
