When Mike was diagnosed with dementia in 2018, his wife, Karen, of 36 years found herself stepping into the role of full-time caregiver. For a while, the couple managed at home. But as Mike’s needs increased, even short errands became stressful. “It was unsafe to leave him alone,” recalled Karen. “I knew I needed help.”

Through a support group, she learned about the Sam L. Cohen Center in Biddeford, one of the Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s Adult Day Programs. Mike’s first trial visit was a success. “He loved it,” she said. Soon, he was attending regularly.

When Southern Maine Agency on Aging opened a new Adult Day Program in Springvale – closer to their home – they made the switch. Though she initially wondered whether Mike was ready, the program quickly became a vital part of their lives. “It was a perfect fit,” Karen said. “The staff and volunteers are incredible. I trust them completely. I also needed the respite to attend to things I couldn’t do while keeping him safe at home.”

For Mike, the program has brought joy and renewed connection. No longer able to drive or use the phone, he had lost many avenues of communication. At the center, he found companionship and purpose.

“It surprised me how open he was to going,” she said. “He’s developed close relationships with some of the other gentlemen who attend the program, and they joke around a lot together. Because he can no longer drive or use the phone, he’s lost a lot of outside communication with the world. I think the program is his little nook, of having something that’s his.”

Family and friends also encourage him by asking about his day. “He loves that people ask questions he can answer,” Karen said. That sense of belonging has restored confidence and lifted his spirits.

For Karen, the Adult Day Program provides both relief and peace of mind. “As a caregiver, you still have errands, appointments, and sometimes you just need a break. Without this program, I’d have to bring him places he doesn’t need to be. I call it a life-saving program at this point. I’m very, very grateful.”

She urges other caregivers to consider the benefits, even if the transition feels difficult at first. “It breaks your heart a little to leave your loved one—but it’s a good thing for everyone. Mike is a very special, loving man. He loves the people there, and I know they love him.”

With compassionate staff, supportive peers, and a safe place to belong, the Adult Day program has become a cornerstone of Mike and his family’s journey—offering care, connection, and hope in the face of dementia.

Are you ready to get started? Schedule your first trial visit at one of our three Adult Day Programs— located in Biddeford, Portland, or Springvale. Visit our Adult Day Program page or call us at 207-396-6508 to learn more about enrollment today.