Bonnie Scherkenbach, a Sun City resident, isn’t afraid of change.
Having once taught first, second, and third-grade children, she later felt the pull to switch gears and embark on a new path.
Scherkenbach said, “I decided to return to school and work on getting a master’s degree in counseling, focusing on gerontology. I went from one end of the age spectrum to the other. I got three different internships as part of my program. Those were at the Palatine Township Senior Services, Condell Intergenerational Day Center, and The Barrington Area Council on Aging (BACOA). After finishing my degree, I was employed at BACOA for 20 years.”
Sun City resident Bonnie Scherkenbach started her career as an elementary school teacher but transitioned into counseling for elder adults, and later, helping adults with early-stage dementia. (Photo by Christine Such/My Sun Day News)
Gerontological counseling offers mental health assistance to older adults during the difficult stages of advanced aging and loss of independence. Gerontological counselors help older clients with common problems and seek to make their lives more manageable and comfortable.
“The hospital also had a daycare for the employees’ children. Very often, we had activities in which both groups interacted. It was beneficial for both. The adults enjoyed helping. They were good with repetitive tasks, like folding towels, which the kids went through a lot,” she said.
Scherkenbach discovered a profound sense of fulfillment in her work with adults in the early stages of dementia.
“They would jest about their forgetfulness and were a joy to work with. It was a deeply rewarding experience,” she said.
When Scherkenbach joined BACOA, she noticed a crucial gap in the organization’s services — the absence of an adult respite program for caregivers to seek help for their loved ones. Driven by her deep-seated passion for improving elder care, she took the initiative to start the Adult Day Respite Program, a testament to her dedication and commitment.
“It’s still going on. It’s important to have a facility for adults with dementia,” Scherkenbach said. “Unfortunately, the closest facility in this area is in Woodstock, Independence Health and Therapy, formerly Family Alliance.”
Scherkenbach underscores the crucial need for caregivers to prioritize their well-being. “They must seek solace in support groups. It is paramount to care for oneself to care for another effectively. I often use the analogy of the safety instructions on a flight, where you are advised to secure your mask before assisting others.”
Scherkenbach took on a second job, following her passion for helping adults with early-stage dementia.
“I managed the Northwest Culture Bus Program at CJE-Senior Life. Many dedicated volunteers helped with the program. A small bus provided by CJE would pick us up and drive us to the sightseeing location. I arranged over 200 trips in the Chicago area. We visited The Pullman Historic District, The Driehaus Museum, and The National Museum of Mexican Art. It was fun for all,” she said.
Scherkenbach encourages caregivers to reach out for resources like aging agencies, adult respite programs, and support groups.
Scherkenbach said, “Art and music activities are invaluable for people with dementia. When I facilitated the adult day program and the Culture Bus, I incorporated art and music experiences regularly. A good film is ‘I Remember Better When I Paint.’ Another one that demonstrates the value of music is ‘Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory.’”
