Program Description
Time Out is a respite and home support
program in which college students provide quality, low cost services to
families caring for the frail elderly. Created in 1986 as a model
intergenerational respite program, Time Out
serves as an important resource for caregiving families of the frail
elderly in Philadelphia. In addition to benefiting caregivers who need
a break from the stress of caregiving, student respite workers gain
invaluable experience in geriatrics.
Time Out student workers receive ten hours of training in working with the elderly and understanding the needs of caregiving families. Students are carefully screened; they provide 2 references and have a criminal history clearance. Services cost $8.00 per hour with a $25 yearly registration fee and are offered weekdays and weekends depending on the students' availability. Participating families are required to utilize the service for at least eight hours per month. Families can depend on assistance from the same student for at least one semester.
Time Out students are trained to provide caring companionship and supervision, meal preparation, assistance into the bathroom, recreational/social activities, as well as support to caregivers. Additionally, students may assist with laundry, changing bed linens, light grocery shopping and medical escorts. They do not provide personal care (i.e. bathing, dressing, feeding), cleaning or transportation services or administer medication or therapies.
Time Out Caregivers Speak Out...
"Words cant describe how much I value the 'time out' this program gices me. Shayna and my mother get alond famously. Shayna has a warm and generous spirit and her visits really fill a void in my mother's life."
"Having Rachel spend time with my mother has put my mind at ease. She refers to Rachel as her granddaughter and that is the highest compliment that she could give! She has become a member of our family."
"Ryan and my grandfather share an excellent relationship. Despite his short-term memory, he instantly gets up when Ryan arrives, and is now more willing to participate in physical therapy exercises. Ryan is a resourceful and rmarkable yound man!"
"Knowing Joslin could spend time with my mother during evening hours has meant the world to me! My mother has grown very attached to her. She recently told me that if she had a million dollars she would give it all to Joslin!"
"Before Time Out, I used to run myself ragged in the mornings trying to get my mom prepared and to make sure she was safe. Now with Keysha, I know mom is okay and I can make it to work on time. Keysha has a wonderful personality, very caring. She just works her magic and you instatly feel at ease. I really love her."
"My mom is 87, has mid-stage Alzheimer's, and lives in the life care community, Logan Square East. Her doctors all recommended increased structure to her daily schedule and activities to keep her alert. Thanks to you, Lakesa visits with her on Monday and Tuesday afternoons--so successfully that my mother was happy to welcome her on Saturday afternoons too.
"Julie is a charming, intelligent and dependable young woman. There is no question that her visits do my mom good; she is more verbal and animated on the evenings after Julie's visit.
"You have created a win-win-win-win situation."
TIME OUT STUDENTS SPEAK OUT...
"From the two families I worked with, I have learned some practical and surprising things: from poker and making fresh pasta to getting your money's worth of a load of laundry and the best way to host a holiday dinner. I am also gaining a lot of tools I'll use as a social worker, such as empowering people." (Edna, Social Work student, Temple University)
"The program has given me insight about the elderly and the path I may take in the future with my career and education as I consider graduate school."(Courtney, Psychology major, St. Joseph's University)
"Gina is currently caring for my mother and has done an excellent job. She is always finding games or implementing tasks to keep my mother's mind alert and to keep her physically active. We consider Gina a member of our family." (Millie, Time Out family member)
"I've come to value independence as I've never valued it before!" (Sandra, Business major, Temple University)
Funding
Pew Charitable Trusts
Chestnut Hill Health Care Foundation
The Barra Foundation
Ann's Choice
Staff
Susan G. Smith, M.S.
Director, Time Out Respite Program
(215) 204-6540
susang@temple.edu