Ten years ago, Pamela Williams opened up her home in Stone Mountain to care for seniors with Alzheimer’s. “Ever since I was young girl, I loved the seniors and wanted to take care of them,” said Williams.
She started AiJalon Inc. Adult Day Health as an alternative daily program that enables seniors to live at home and receive individualized care Monday through Friday. Her goal is to help the seniors socialize, receive mental stimulation, host interactive therapeutic group sessions, do arts and crafts, and more.
Karen Morris brought her father to AiJalon in 2007. “This was my father’s favorite place. He loved to come here because it was like a second home,” said Morris, who now volunteers with AiJalon. “Also, it was such a comfort for me, as a caregiver, because I knew that he was safe and well-looked after during the day.”
Combining her passions of gardening and senior care, Williams hopes to build a therapeutic garden on the two-acre plot for the seniors she works with daily.
“We want to build a garden that is spacious for them to walk around and be outdoors, but also enclosed so they are safe and do not wander off,” said Williams. Volunteers came out last Saturday to help paint the fence that will enclose the garden.
The therapeutic healing garden project is an effort to create an appropriate outdoor area with walking paths, raised gardens, covered seating, such as a gazebo or pavilion, security fencing, and plants that stimulate smell, vision, touch, and reduce stress.
Board member Louis Meyer added, “In addition to the garden, volunteers can come spend one-on-one time with our seniors, volunteer at the thrift store, and get involved in so many other ways.”
Williams hopes to expand AiJalon to include transitional and weekend-housing for seniors. “We help those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. With our volunteers and community’s support, we hope to continue to make a bigger difference in their lives.”
Since 2002, AiJalon has served more than 700 seniors.
To volunteer with AiJalon, Inc. Adult Day Health, visit www.aijaloninc.com
In Other News: On April 17, Shula's 347 Grill in Lenox hosted the Second Annual Microbrew Challenge to benefit Open Hand. The event raised $500 towards the nonprofit's Dining Out for Life fundraiser. The nonprofit organization provides comprehensive nutrition care for a diverse population of men, women and children with unique nutrition needs.
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