Since 1981, LSSI’s Intouch Home Care Program has helped older adults maintain their lives in the community and in their homes. Intouch lends its support to A Caring Place, a respite care program at Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Elk Grove Village. A Caring
Place offers respite for family members caring for adults with mild cognitive or physical impairments, and a community of friends for its participants.
The caregivers of various participants shared the program’s impact on their lives: “A Godsend.” “Vital.” “A lifesaver.” “What a relief.”
A Caring Place, launched 20 years ago by Christus Victor’s Senior Pastor Stefan Potuznik and two community members, has 12 to 15 regular participants. It is led by Rosa Biondo, A Caring Place Coordinator, and staffed by Intouch Home Care Assistant Terri Lucas and 10 volunteers. Lucas has been a home care assistant with
LSSI for 13 years. The program expands the personalized approach Intouch takes with clients in their homes.
“Intouch Home Care not only helps seniors maintain their independence, but also provides the loved ones and caregivers of our clients with support,” said Jeremiah
Royster, Director of Intouch Operations and Growth. “Christus Victor has taken that same commitment into a community setting with A Caring Place. We’re so honored to lend our services to such a valuable, worthwhile program.”
A typical day’s activities include word games, trivia, and lunch. In between, there is laughter, an occasional nap, conversation, and a palpable affection between participants, volunteers, and staff.
“It’s good trying something new,” said participant Neil. “They take good care of us.” Neil enjoys the history games, intellectual challenges, celebrations, and friendships.
His wife Marie agrees that the group is good for him—and her. “There’s a lot of people going through this,” she said. “Even us talking about what we’re experiencing really helps.”
Photo Caption: Rosa Biondo, left, A Caring Place Coordinator, and LSSI Intouch Home
Care Assistant Terri Lucas provide respite care.
