Where is it and who runs it?
It is in Livingston, Texas, adjoining Rainbow's End campground and Escapees headquarters. It is governed by its own Board of Directors, all of whom are volunteers. Heading the professional staff is an Administrator, who handles business affairs, and a program nurse in charge of the licensed day care program.

How does it work for the participants?
A participant's RV is parked on a CARE Center site. Personal and health care is available through a professional staff on weekdays. Each evening, participants return to their own RV with the security of knowing someone is within call if needed.

Who is eligible to come to CARE?
Anyone may attend the day care program, but only Escapees members (in good standing for one year), can reside in the sites and enjoy the full benefits of CARE residency. An admission committee must approve the application before a participant is accepted. Some people just need a little help with transportation, house cleaning and cooking. Others, who are more frailer, need additional help.

Is it true that CARE is where you go to die?
Many people stay only long enough to recuperate from illness or surgery. Others plan to make CARE their final home. Some who "came here to die" are traveling again, thanks to today's medical miracles.

Will I have to leave if my health deteriorates?
Every attempt is made to modify individual care plans to accommodate changing needs. We hope most people in terminal stages will be able to die in their own RV home, surrounded by friends who truly care about them. If a physician determines there is a need for more help than we can provide, or if physical or mental capacity deteriorates to the point of being a danger to anyone, we help the family to make other arrangements.

Can I bring my pet with me?
Yes. Your pet is welcome as long as you are able to properly care for it and can control its social behavior.

Do you accept single people?
Yes, except for advanced stage of certain illnesses when it isn't safe for you to be alone at night and on weekends.

What is the entrance fee?
There is no deposit or entrance fee. You pay one month in advance and may leave whenever you wish without any loss of money. The full program is $800 a month for a single person and $900 a month for two people. This fee includes all meals for both.

When is the Center open?
The day care program operates on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The building is open evenings and weekends for socializing. Three meals are served every day with the help of volunteers.

May I leave for short periods to travel?
Yes. To retain your site and use of the storage shed, you can pay the rent portion while you are away. You don't have to pay for services. Or you can give up your site and be placed on another one (if available) when you return.

Do you accept people with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia?
Yes, but with dementia participants we may require a caregiver since our program only provides supervision during the day. Our purpose is not only to assure that the participant is safe, but also to provide daytime relief for these caregivers. Other caregivers parked beside you provide emotional support. Living in a caregiver setting in your own RV is something no other program offers. Our Alzheimer's Day Care Program features a coded door system and allows freedom of movement while keeping participants from wandering into unsafe places.

What medical services does Livingston have?
It has an ambulance and paramedic services plus a dialysis unit and home health and hospice agencies. There is a well-equipped hospital that can do most diagnostic tests and operations plus an emergency department. And Houston, less than 75 miles away, is well known for its many specialty hospitals.

How do I know if it is time to go to CARE?
If you no longer feel in control while driving, can't remember if you've taken your medicine properly, or if you find cleaning, cooking, and doing laundry are becoming difficult, this may be the time to enter CARE rather than waiting for a catastrophic occurrence that forces you into a local nursing home. Sometimes friends and relatives have to tell us it is time to get help.

Why are your fees lower than other ADCs?
Our prices will continue to be low because of donations from many Escapees who provided the funds to build the CARE Center without any loans. Their ongoing support allows us to continue to serve even low income participants.

Is CARE the right choice for me?
Why not give us a try? You can fly to Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston where a volunteer will meet you and bring you to CARE, where you can stay at Pearl's Place, a completely equipped cottage, while you try out the new program.

If you've already decided this is the program for you, admission can be quickly accomplished if you FAX your form to: Attention: Director at 936-327-6428.

And remember, coming to the CARE facility is not a for-the-rest-of-your-life decision. Because there is no admission fee, you will not loose money if you decide to leave. You pay one month at a time, in advance, so any time you are ready to go back on the road you can do so.