COEUR d'ALENE - Barb Woodruff's father was 65 years old when he was diagnosed with early onset dementia.

Woodruff often looked after her dad, Lane Dahlin, and recalled trying to make things comfortable for him - which was at times demanding. She wanted to do what she could to assist her mother, Mary, who was both holding down a job and looking after her husband.

"I really experienced seeing my mom not being able to get a break as a caregiver," Woodruff said.

The efforts to care for her father and help her mother inspired Woodruff to recently open Merry Lane Home - a residential senior daycare named after her parents.

"I feel like there's a real need in our community to care for the elderly and provide a way to help the caregivers," she said.

The three-bedroom, 1,300-square-foot house is at 1025 Forrest Park Lane, next to Woodruff's Coeur d'Alene home in a quiet residential neighborhood.

She believes the home will provide caregivers with a much-needed break, as well as give clients a warm, caring place to spend a few hours.

"It's basically like a home away from home," Woodruff said.

Woodruff and one employee can care for up to 10 seniors at one time. There will be various activities available, such as exercise, games or reading. There's always relaxation, too.

Merry House will be open to start 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Cost is $7.50 per hour.

Woodruff said her experience in looking after the elderly comes primarily from caring for her father in his final years.

"I became sort of passionate about doing this," she said.

Lane Dahlin passed away at age 69 in November 2006 and Mary, diagnosed with leukemia, died at age 66 in May 2007.

Barb Woodruff believes her parents would be proud of her and Merry Lane Home.

"They would appreciate what I'm doing," Woodruff said.

Information: 664-4776