"The Gathering” is a joyful, loving program for people who suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease and similar dementias. Participants enjoy music, art, food and fun every Tuesday for four hours. More information is also available at TheGatheringAtWHPC.org.
"New Connections" is an early intervention program for people who have mild cognitive impairment or very early Alzheimer’s disease.
Diane Herrington, a 2009 Five Who Care winner, shows her care for the elderly in snapshots.
It's always uplifting to meet volunteers making a difference in our community. This Five Who Care winner blends her love for the elderly and her passion for photography.
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The Gathering
The Gathering is a once a week respite program for people with Alzheimer’s disease and similar dementias who are being cared for at home by family members. It is designed to provide the person with AD a chance to socialize in a warm and loving atmosphere. Activities are designed to keep the participants busy in meaningful and dignified ways.
The Gathering is also intended to offer the caregiver four hours a week of time to run errands, go to doctors appointments, visit with friends, or just go home to a quiet house.
All potential participants are interviewed at the church by a volunteer. The information taken during this time is intended to provide the volunteer staff with details about the participants’ history, family life, hobbies and pastimes. This history helps us plan activities that are enjoyable and suitable for each individual. All participants must be living at home with a family member, be ambulatory, and must still be verbal.
The Gathering meets on Tuesdays from 9:30-1:30. It offers varied activities, indoor sports, music therapy, and outside entertainment. The Gathering is offered as a ministry to the community by Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church in gratitude for God's many blessings. It is offered free of charge and is open to people of all religious backgrounds.
Our Vision: Because nursing home care is so very expensive, our goal is to support the family dealing with this disease so that institutionalization can be postponed. The Gathering is offered as a ministry to the community by Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church in gratitude for God's many blessings. It is offered free of charge and is open to people of all religious backgrounds.
New Connections
New Connections is a weekly early intervention program for people who have mild cognitive impairment or very early Alzheimer's disease. In order to participate in this program, the applicant must have a physician's referral, must recognize and be aware of his or her own memory loss, and must express a willingness to work on these problems.
The New Connections program meets on Thursdays from 10 am until 1:30 pm. Each week, we offer a variety of programs and activities designed to exercise and stimulate the brain. These programs could include music therapy, yoga, book club, art appreciation, and/or current events. The session always concludes with a support group just for the participants facilitated by two health care professionals.
In addition, we offer a monthly caregiver support group for families and friends of New Connections participants.
Our Vision:To provide the person with very early Alzheimer's disease with some strategies and tools to remain as independent as possible as the disease progresses.
For more information or to schedule an interview for either the Gathering or New Connections please contact Debbie Wilder at 327-1116.
Twice a month at the Gathering we hold a short worship and communion service led by one of our pastors. Many of our participants find that the rituals of singing familiar hymns, partaking in Holy communion, and listening to well known scripture provide a sense of peace and security. If families request that their family member not participate, we provide optional activities during that time.
In times of trouble and stress, people often derive comfort, joy, and peace from ongoing spiritual connections and interactions. That comfort and faith can be lost if people with Alzheimer's and their caregivers lack the physical and practical resources to participate, or cut themselves off due to discouragement, fear of embarrassment, or a lack of acceptance.
Our fellowship of believers can provide the connections that restore that spiritual link for people with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. WHPC can also provide practical resources: meeting space for support groups and respite care; and a wealth of volunteers for various supportive measures.
Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church
7127 Bee Caves Rd. | Austin, TX 78746 | PH: 512.327.1116 l FAX: 512.328.4238
