Lifelong Learning & Wellness Program (LLWP) and Drop-In Respite and Caregiver Cooperative

The program offers Asian cultural activities for older adults and respite services for caregivers as a cooperative.

Organization:

Asian Community Center

Nonprofit organization that identifies, develops and provides culturally sensitive health and social services for older adults and caregivers. In addition to respite, transportation, and other social services often offered in a multilingual format, the center also includes a nursing home and an independent living complex.

Location:

Sacramento, CA

How does it work?

LLWP offers traditional Asian arts and culture, computer, dance, fitness and other classes and workshops for older adults. The "Drop-In Respite and Caregiver Cooperative" involves caregivers collaborating with staff to plan and implement program activities twice a week. Caregivers exchange volunteering at the Center for their care receiver's attendance at various programs.

Why is it successful?

This respite program is the only adult day cooperative in the country, resulting after there was a need for more respite services but limited funds. The program fosters enjoyment of each day for older adults and their caregivers, engenders social interaction, promotes safe, stimulating, and healthy mental and physical activity, and provides an environment to learn new coping skills. Over 2,000 older adults, 85% of whom are Asian-American, participate in LLWP annually. Evaluations show the respite program successfully meeting caregivers' needs: 60% reported being "very satisfied" with the program and 40% were "satisfied" or "somewhat satisfied." Half of the caregivers surveyed (50%) said they were able to volunteer as part of the cooperative.

For more information: www.accsv.org