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 1989 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 workers are area students who receive ten hours of intensive training in working with the elderly and understanding the needs of caregiving families. 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.
Additionally, students may assist with laundry, changing of bed linens, light grocery shopping and medical escorts. I am also gaining a lot of tools I'll use as a social worker, such as empowering people. 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. My mom is 87, has mid-stage Alzheimer's, and lives in the life care community, Logan Square East.