Get support in providing stimulation and socialization

The idea: HOPE CARES was inspired by a daughter's realization that her mother with Alzheimer's needed more stimulation, socialization and engagement than she could provide on her own.

Hello:

My name is Hope Reiner. I have always been searching for a way to help older adults since for

many, marginalization and isolation is a grim reality of their life.

Two and a half years ago, my mother, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, passed away. She had always been a very difficult woman and it was not easy spending time with her. Once she began to experience the disease's symptoms, her whole personality changed. To my great surprise and delight, she became the warm, sweet and loving mother I had always wanted. What did not change was the reality of her isolation and loneliness.

Seeing how lonely she was, helped me find my passion and realize the gift she had given me.

I founded HOPE CARES two years ago. The work I do is exactly what my mother so badly needed. I work one-one with each person providing stimulation, socialization and engagement. The results of my work—whether it be talking about their lives, going to the Philharmonic or Opera out of doors, looking at art—helps people regain a sense of well-being. They know they are truly cared about and life gets increasingly more enjoyable.

I am thrilled to have received my mother's gift of loving kindness. It has surely changed my life and enabled me to pass it on to others.

Hope Reiner

Founder

HOPE CARES

Published on 06 September 2011

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The gift that you keep giving to others

Submitted by Richard Taylor on 18 November 2011

Hello, what a wonderful gift your mom gave you, and what a wonderful thing it is that you keep passing it on. Our need for love, kindness, connectness does not lessen with age, nor with a disability such as dementia, nor any disability for that matter. I believe we all have an obligation to each other to pass this gift on to as many people as we can in our lifetimes. It is how we will get better as a culture, as a species, as ourselves. Thanks for reminding us..Richard.