Caregiver Support

Our PLACE Caregiver Support Group

2nd Friday of each month, 9a - 11a at the Tellico Village Library, 300 Irene Lane, Loudon, TN

This support group is affiliated with Alzheimer’s TN., Inc., and is dedicated to providing education featuring guest speakers, fellowship, and support for those giving care to an elderly loved one. Refreshments are provided.  

*To be added to the Caregiver Support Group contact list, please email director@ourplacetn.org.

Loudon Senior Center Caregiver Support

1st Thursday of each month, 2p - 3p at the Loudon Senior Center, 901 Main Street, Loudon, TN

My Unexpected Journey of Joy

Diane Strever for Our PLACE

For the past several years, it has been both a joy and an honor to write this monthly column about Our PLACE for East Tennessee’s Mountain Views. I hope my words have offered comfort, encouragement, and understanding to families walking the difficult path of dementia care. As this is my final column, I want to share my unexpected journey of joy that Our PLACE —and everyone connected to it—has brought into my life.

My involvement began while I was recuperating from ankle surgery, when one of the “angels” in our community, Ginny Ranck, called to ask if I would consider writing this column. I said yes, not realizing then how deeply I would come to admire the Board of Directors, financial supporters, staff, volunteers, participants, and caregivers who surround Our PLACE with such dedication and heart.

That admiration has only grown. I have seen firsthand the profound love and care shared with participants living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Our PLACE is truly the best day program in our region for both families and their loved ones—and I only wish the opportunity had existed when my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s years ago.

What began as a vision by Sue Newman following her husband’s diagnosis has flourished through the leadership of the Board of Directors, now chaired by Rob McCoy. Today, Our PLACE continues to offer evidence-based memory care, meaningful engagement, respite and emotional support for caregivers, and vital education and resources for families throughout the community.

There are not enough words to describe the care and intention that go into planning each day’s activities. Sarah, Brandi, Amanda, and the Program Assistants greet every participant with a smile that conveys warmth, dignity, and genuine value. Caregivers feel immediate comfort knowing their loved one is safe, supported, and loved. The staff further nurtures this sense of community by hosting family gatherings—such as the Friendsgiving Dinner, Luau, and Christmas Brunch—that remind caregivers they are not alone on this journey. In addition, Our PLACE sponsors caregiver support groups three times a month, providing connection and encouragement for those who give so much of themselves.

The daily program is rich and varied, including exercise, arts and crafts, games, cooking, pet therapy, and music. My weekly joy comes from volunteering and witnessing the friendship, laughter, and encouragement participants share with one another. Each person in the program is a gift. I always say, “I get much more back than I give,” because it is profoundly true. Whether participants are cheering one another on during cornhole, singing softly together, or admiring each other’s artwork. This sense of community combats social isolation and builds self-confidence. 

Our PLACE is blessed with 50 dedicated volunteers who assist with daily activities, along with many more who offer pet therapy, musical entertainment, and special programs.

But of all the joys I’ve experienced, the greatest has been getting to know the extraordinary caregivers who devote themselves to their loved ones 24/7. As I’ve interviewed them for these pages, their remarkable life stories and their devotion to their life partners have emerged. They are a source of strength and joy for the staff, volunteers, and each other.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Kathy and Tim Rose for their commitment to keeping this monthly column available to caregivers in East Tennessee’s Mountain Views. On more than one occasion, my words exceeded the limit—only because there was so much information to share—and Kathy graciously allowed it. Our PLACE board member Laurie Fox will take over this column. She is a former oncology clinical nurse specialist with extensive experience in healthcare partnerships. I know she will do an incredible job.

Our PLACE is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit that seeks to improve quality of life by providing a day program of care, social interaction, and therapeutic activities in a safe and nurturing environment for adults living with Alzheimer's or other dementia-related diseases.