A number of Abbotsford residents dependent on day programs being provided by Ebenezer Home are feeling despondent with the care home’s impending closure this September.

The private Christian care home could not survive financially after the Fraser Health Authority (FHA) withdrew temporary funding for 26 beds at the facility.

Along with the complex care residential facility, day programs funded by FHA for seniors suffering from conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s or the effects of stroke are going to be shut down.

Reinhild Hessel, whose 78-year-old husband Wolfgang attends day programs at Ebenezer Home, said she is feeling at her wit’s end.

“It’s the only respite I have,” she said of the 24/7 supervision she must provide for her husband, who is suffering from dementia due to a series of strokes seven years ago.

“I’m fortunate to have two days to take my husband there, and have a few hours to relax to myself or get things done. Now they are taking that away from us. It’s very hard to take.”

Her husband cannot care for himself, and must be reminded to do the most basic tasks, she said. He was on the waiting list at Ebenezer Home to get a weekly bath. He wakes up a number of times each night and Hessel must get up with him to ensure he does not hurt himself or leave the house.

Hessel said she uses the time her husband attends the program to take care of necessary business or try and get some sleep.

“I have to take care of myself, and if I have him constantly, I maybe end up in hosptial and get sicker than him... and then I can’t look after him.”

Lynda Foley is the executive director for home, health and end of life for FHA. She said that case managers are in contact with the families affected by the closure of the home’s day programs, and is developing options for them.

However, a staff member at Ebenezer Home said they served over 40 clients in their day program and had a waiting list of more clients. It’s her understanding the only other two agencies in Abbotsford providing similar services, Maplewood House and Cottage Pavilion, are at capacity.

“The families in the day programs are angry. There are no options for them,” said the employee, who didn’t want to be named.

Most of the clients, while they would like more days, come to the programs one day a week.

“That one day a week means a lot, not just to the client, but to their families,” said the employee.

Many clients struggle with social isolation and need the mental and physical stimulation the programs offer.

“Some of these clients are home all day, every day, except for the one day out to the program.

For the family it’s the one day a week where they can leave their loved one where they are safe, and go out and do all the things they have to do.”

Foley said there are a total of eight spaces available at the other two agencies providing day programs, and Ebenezer clients with the highest need will get the spaces first.

Day programs are just one means of providing respite to caregivers, she said.

Other options might include providing caregivers with some home care support which would allow them to take a break.

“A day program is one small part of the care regime... there are all kinds of other options,” she said.

Hessel, 74, said she has yet to hear from her home health case worker.

“I haven’t heard anything from them as yet. I’m really in the dark.”

She said she hasn’t found the time to contact the health authority.

“It just seems there isn’t enough time for an older woman to get around and get things done.”

Pat Overton’s 68-year-old husband Bob also attends Ebenezer Home’s day program twice a week.

He suffers reduced motor skills and memory problems due to a stroke, and the program offers him the opportunity to socialize, said Overton.

“We’re very depressed now, we don’t know where he’s going to go.”

The Overtons have heard from their case worker who said they would be put on a waiting list for a program.

“They just said we would be contacted when there was availability. They had no idea when that would be,” said Overton.

“They didn’t offer any other options.”

Home care isn’t necessary said Overton, but the social opportunities the programs offered to her husband are.

She feels Fraser Health should open up more day program spaces.

In the meantime, the pair are feeling a bit hopeless.

“We’ll just sit here and wait I guess. Hopefully something will open up soon. There’s nothing we can do.”