The Bee Cave Bee

Emmaus Catholic Parish in Lakeway hosts an outreach ministry which offers a weekly break for caregivers, while simultaneously providing a line-up of wonderful activities for their family member with mild to moderate Alzheimers Disease or dementia.

With the realization that serving as a primary caregiver can be exhausting, the Bright Horizons program opened in January, 2013.  Beginning with only six participants, the program has grown to serve twenty families who deal with these challenges on a daily basis.
 

Participants enjoy chair exercises directed by a certified Jazzercise instructor, as well as art, bingo, balloon volleyball, live entertainment and dancing, inspirational readings by a volunteer, music therapy and visits from the parish preschoolers. A morning snack and lunch are locally donated.  
 

For the caregiver, they can feel confident in dropping off their loved one to a safe and friendly environment.  Each participant has a permanent volunteer companion who stays at their side throughout the program.  With this comforting thought, the caregiver will have a few hours to run errands, meet a friend for lunch, nourish their spiritual life or relax with a good book; all well deserved.
 

Bright Horizons is open to people of all religious affiliations.  There is no fee for the program which is supported by the local community.  This growing program is accepting new participants. Of course, additional volunteers are needed as the number of participants grows.  If you are interested in learning more about Bright Horizons, please contact Pat Thompson by calling the Emmaus Catholic Parish office at 512-261-8500 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .