Page 4 - Martin Downs Bulletin - January '25

Page 4, Martin Downs

Good works

Caregivers Caring For offers a program, called GUIDE, that helps the caregiver as well
Dementia Patients Get Help as the patient and even provides funding for respite care.
“We know how difficult it can be for individuals with
From Council On Aging dementia and their families to find the resources they need
and to feel confident in the choices they’re making,” said
Martin County Council on Aging Martin President and CEO Karen Ripper.
“Our GUIDE program enables us to bring our community
Caregivers of dementia patients face physical, mental, even more ways of caring for loved ones with dementia and
emotional and often financial challenges to keep their loved ones supporting their caregivers.”
safe and comfortable. The Council on Aging Martin County now The goal of the program is to enable people to stay safely at
home and out of the hospital or a nursing home. That requires
education, coordination with the patient’s primary care
VIM Gala from page 1 provider and specialists, a rich array of community resources
to draw on like Meals on Wheels and the Circle of Safety Kelley Pekarsky, DNP, APRN, is the clinical navigator
raised through the gala directly funds essential Bracelet, and a strong layer of support for the caregiver. helping community members learn about the new GUIDE
services, including doctor visits, diagnostic care, Through the GUIDE program, patients on Medicare can program at the Council on Aging Martin. The program assists
medications, and referrals to specialists. receive up to $2,500 a year for respite care. This extra bit of individuals coping with dementia and their caregivers. More
“This event honors the years of impact and the financial help enables caregivers to take temporary breaks information is available from the Council on Aging Martin
incredible support of our volunteers, donors, and and renew their health and spirit. They can use the funds for at www.coamartin.org and at (772) 223-7800.
partners. Thanks to their generosity, we can continue in-home help or for more frequent assistance like the Day
to give the gift of health,” shared Mary Fields, VIM Club on the Council on Aging’s Kane Center campus. These Day Primary Care Center and the program’s clinical
Clinic’s executive director. funds, and the GUIDE program, are available to Medicare navigator. “Thanks to the GUIDE program, there is always
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now patients throughout Martin, St. Lucie and Northern Palm somewhere to turn, and someone who can give support and
available. To purchase, please email gala@vimclinic.net Beach but are not available to patients enrolled in a knowledgeable advice.”
or call Mia Cruz at (772) 463-4128, Ext. 211. You may Medicare Advantage Plan or hospice. For more information about the program, call (561) 320-
also visit the website at vimclinic.net/gala. Those enrolled in the program also have access to a 24/7 7451, call the Council on Aging Martin County at (772)
Since 1995, Volunteers in Medicine Clinic has been hotline. “Having someone always available to listen can 223-7800, or visit the website www.coamartin.org.
making a difference in our community. Our dedicated be very meaningful to a caregiver,” said Kelley Pekarsky,
staff, volunteers and partner organizations have been nurse practitioner at the Council on Aging Martin County’s Good Works on page 5
ensuring compassionate health care is available for
eligible, uninsured residents of Martin County.
May we have eyes to see those who are rendered Humane Society from page 1
invisible and excluded, open arms and hearts to reach
out and include them, healing hands to touch their lives email Ashton Sorrentino at ASorrentino@hstc1.org or call
with love, and in the process, heal ourselves. (772) 600-3216.
About Volunteers In Medicine Clinic About The Humane Society Of The Treasure Coast
Since 1995 Volunteers in Medicine Clinic has been The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) is a
providing free health care to qualified, uninsured Martin no-kill animal welfare organization located at 4100 S.W.
County residents. Volunteers in Medicine Clinic is located Leighton Farm Ave. in Palm City, Fla. Since 1955, it has been
at 417 S.E. Balboa Avenue in Stuart, Florida. For more the leading advocate for animal protection and well-being
information, please call (772) 463-4128 or visit Volunteers in the Martin County area. A 501(c)(3) private, nonprofit
in Medicine Clinic online at www.vimclinic.net. organization, the HSTC is independent and locally operated
Photographs by Mia Cruz and relies on donations to support its programs and services.
Follow the HSTC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
humanesocietyTC and Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/
hstc1. For more information, visit https://www.hstc1.org or A walk around the park begins the festival portion of
call (772) 223-8822. the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast’s 21st annual
Photos by Doreen Poreba Mutt March.

Volunteers in Medicine Clinic Gala Chairs – Pictured:
Bill and Carolyn Michaud.

At last year’s Mutt March, Betsey Kerner and her dog, Lisa, The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast’s 21st annual
Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing aka “Spug-ghetti and Meatball,” were among the costume Mutt March includes the opportunity for dogs to chase a
Palm Beach County and is a privately contest winners. mechanized lure.
owned and managed company.
Captain’s is committed to providing
dependable, reliable and professional
ground transportation to and from all
South Florida Airports and Seaports. PBCVH212
To reserve your vehicle:
561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com

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