FAIRHOPE, Ala. - If you have ever cared for a loved one with dementia, even for a brief period of time, you have some idea how physically and mentally exhausting this can be. Shepherd’s Place is the only day respite program for care givers on the Eastern Shore. Although it is a program offered by the Fairhope United Methodist Church, it is there for anyone and everyone who could benefit from it.

Ann Pearson, Director of Caring Ministries at United Methodist, is also a trained hospice volunteer with a doctorate in Pastoral Counseling from the University of Alabama. She says that she has always had a love for caring and being responsible to people’s needs. “When someone allows you to enter their life at a challenging time, that’s a precious gift and it needs to be treated sacredly and confidentially.”

Pearson started the Shepherd’s Place program two years ago in response to her personal experience of caring for her mother who developed Alzheimer’s. Pearson saw the challenges and commitment she faced as a care giver. She asked herself if the church was caring for those who were caring for others. Then she met Leisa Richardson, a retired nurse, who teamed up with her in 2007 to do research and observe similar programs in Tuscaloosa, Slidell and Huntsville. A group of volunteers also gave Pearson and Richardson support.

In 2009, Pearson officially began the program at Shepherd’s Place with Richardson as the director. Pearson says today, “After two years, we’re very pleased with the volunteers who’ve come forth to give to the program and we’re so blessed to have an excellent mix of men and women in the program who are socially compatible.”

Richardson reflects that when she first started working with the group, she saw how much each person enjoyed their day at Shepherd’s Place and it used to make her sad that they didn’t remember their experience by the time they returned home. “Now,” she says, “I appreciate just the fact that they remember my face and are happy while they’re here and want to come back is enough.”

The Shepherd’s Place program provides a safe and secure environment for individuals with memory or physical needs and by doing that, it provides relief for care givers. It bridges the gap between independent living and restricted care. Participants experience interactive learning and fellowship.

Richardson says she loves the program because it says “I love you” to the participants. “We give a lot of love and they respond,” she explains. Trained volunteers assist with their activities. A registered nurse is always on site duty and activities are designed to promote cognitive, language, social and motor skills.

The staff offers the participants art, music, crafts, games, parties and theme days. There are a variety of seasonal activities. In July, the guest speakers will be: Dr. Bill Williams, meteorologist, Dr. Barry Booth, founder of Honor Flight, and Bill Cody, photographer. There will be Zumba fitness exercise one week with Randy Branch playing the guitar and an art activity another week with Nancy Raia from the Eastern Shore Art Center. The Baldwin County Youth Orchestra will play one morning.

The program fee is $40 a day for four hours and hot lunch and snack are included. In September, Shepherd’s Place will offer longer hours and additional days. Volunteers are always welcome, Pearson said.