Hebrew SeniorLife Dementia Respite Care Program Graduates New Aides

Kassia Love, Christine Lee, Elizabeth Kaye, and Alice Feng (pictured l-r) completed a two-day training at the Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health at Hebrew SeniorLife with Senior Director of Community-Based Long-Term Services and Supports Rebecca Arbouet to become certified home health aides.

The Harvard Medical School students are the first of what will be among 40 aides who provide companionship, cognitive engagement, and personal care to people with dementia or cognitive impairment, providing respite to them, their caregiver, or their family.

“The students were exceptional, and the hands-on component, which was particularly effective, was well received. They now possess a strong knowledge base and are confident in their ability to provide exceptional direct care to their patients and clients,” said Arbouet.

The new dementia respite care program is funded by a grant from the Alzheimer’s Association Center for Dementia Respite Innovation. The next cohort is underway, with participants enrolled from local colleges and universities. The program helps aides gain part-time experience and offers families a more affordable respite care option.