Journey To Our New Van

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We have some exciting news...

Last September, The ARK’s bus of 200,000 plus miles began having mechanical issues and by October it was out of commission. Since 2004, The ARK has been offering a transportation service to and from The ARK House to our families for care-receivers to attend our programs. Transportation is vital as some families do not have reliable transportation. The time on the bus extends the time the caregiver has to take care of themselves, keep medical appointments, enjoy time alone or with other family and friends.

“The ARK is the only Alzheimer’s social respite care in the area that provides transportation. Families are so grateful for the extended time it allows them as well as making it possible for their loved one to attend The ARK's programs”, said Peg Lahmeyer, executive director of The ARK of SC.

Over the last few months, community members stepped up to help on the journey of acquiring a new vehicle. This could not have been achieved without Doug McElveen taking The ARK under his wing and guiding us through the process. Funding was a concern when The ARK embarked on the journey, but thanks to the The Steady Hand Foundation, a matching gift of $13,000 was designated for the purchase of a vehicle.

“We are extremely grateful for McElveen Buick GMC, matching funds from community donors, our supportive board of directors and staff to successfully match The Steady Hand Foundation gift. A special thank you to Wayne Waters and his talented staff at Mr. Sign for designing and installing our new decals”, Lahmeyer states.

For 26 years, The ARK has been a local nonprofit organization assisting families throughout five counties (Dorchester, Berkeley, Charleston, Orangeburg and Colleton County) in the Lowcountry. The ARK helps families cope with daily challenges of Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementia through respite care, family support programs, caregiver consultations and educational classes. The ARK is funded primarily by grants, donations and fundraising events.

Respite programs are offered in Summerville (Monday-Thursday) and in Harleyville (Wednesday) to give family caregivers a much-needed break from the stress of around-the-clock caregiving. We also facilitate support groups, lunch & learn educational workshops, memory screenings, resource referrals, caregiver workshops, and First Responder/Law Enforcement training.

Meet the new ARK van. A special thank you to Wayne and his talented staff at Mr. Sign for designing and installing our new decals.

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Caregiver Tips for the Holidays

By proadAccountId-435955 • December 17, 2024

We know caregiving during The Holidays can be a challenge. We want to help you and your family enjoy your holiday as much as you can! We have put together some of the best holiday tips for families living with Dementia. Please click the link(s) below to read more. Holiday Tips for Everyone Living with Dementia by Teepa Snow, Positive Approach, LLC Tips for the Person with Dementia: 1. Take some time out to relax. 2. Do what you enjoy. 3. Consider letting people know when you need a break or are having trouble. 4. Make a list with your partner of what you would like to do this season. 5. Use the list to help keep on track. 6. Consider saying - "I know I know you, but I just can't place you..." when someone greets you and you aren't sure who they are to you. 7. Watch or listen to old, familiar music, movies, TV programs that make you feel good. 8. Get some exercise every day. 9. Get plenty of water each day. 10. Be careful about too many sweets or treats. 11. Work the a partner to do familiar and fund activities (For example: Making, signing, mailing cards OR making up mixes with recipes to share with the family). Tips for the Care Partner: 1. Keep gatherings smaller & visits shorter. 2. Offer time out. 3. Make a list of pleasures to do. 4. Encourage going out and doing something fun together rather than just talking. 5. Ask visitors to bring old pictures, old families items or props, and be prepared to reminisce about old times. 6. Take breaks from each other. 7. Consider cutting back on traditions if they seem distressing. 8. Help visitors out by introducing them with some orienting information, if they forget to do so 9. Get some exercise & take care of your stress levels. 10. Get a 'Friend' to help the person with dementia select gifts, shop, or do something special for loveds ones, including you! Tips for the Visitor: 1. Start off by looking friendly and offering your hand in a handshake. 2. Introduce yourself by name, then PAUSE, if the person still doesn't seem to know you, give them a little more background. 3. Use shorter phrases and PAUSE between thoughts or ideas, giving the person a chance to respond. 4. Talk about the old times more than recent information. 5. Keep memories positive if possible. 6. Accept general comments, don't push for specifics. 7. Don't correct errors, go with the flow of the conversation. 8. Be prepared to hear old stories over and over, use old pictures or props to bring up other old memories... and laugh. 9. Do something with the person rather than just talking to them. 10. If the person says something distressing or seems worried about something, realize it may not be true, but they are not lying to you, their brain is lying to them. Check it out with the care partner before acting on it. Additional Tips for the Holidays: >> The Holidays & Alzheimer's by The Alzheimer's Association >> Traveling tips for safe Holiday Travel by The Alzheimer's Association >> Holiday Gift Guide for Caregivers and People living with Dementia by The Alzheimer's Association >> 10 Holiday Tips every caregiver should know by Alz Lab

November is National Family Caregiver Month

By proadAccountId-435955 • November 7, 2024

November is National Family Caregiver Month!

25th Annual McElveen Race For The ARK

By proadAccountId-435955 • August 26, 2024

Congratulations to all of our winners! Male Overall: Daniel Martin 18:01 Female Overall: Lora Thomas 18:59 Corporate Challenge Winner: Without Limits Charleston Youth Challenge Winner: Without Limits Charleston We cannot thank you, our faithful supporters, enough for making our 25th Annual McElveen Race For The ARK a memorable race! With over 400 people participating, The ARK raised nearly $30,000 to benefit families living with Alzheimer's or related dementia throughout the Lowcountry. Because of you, we are able to continue to make a difference in the community. We look forward to making next year's race even better. As always, please let us know if we can be a resource for you!