Now 47 years old, Brenda was born mentally disabled with a seizure disorder and severe speech issues. While her father was a bricklayer and owned a hardware store, her mother tended to all of Brenda’s needs. However, about 10 years ago, her mother started experiencing health problems.

“With our mother’s many health issues and frequent hospital stays we thought it would benefit Brenda to have a daily structured environment,” said Donna May, Brenda’s youngest sister.

For Donna and her other sister Karen Cunningham, both having families of their own, taking care of Brenda is difficult in the years to come.

The family turned to funding from the Developmental Disabilities Administration of Maryland but was very unhappy with the two facilities that would provide services in their area.

Donna began searching for various adult day medical centers that Brenda could attend. Fortunately, she soon found Active Day, an adult day care center in Parkville that Brenda now attends Monday through Friday every week. Transportation is provided to and from the center.

“Since artwork is what she most loves to do, their huge art room is her favorite part,” said Donna.

Brenda also enjoys the music programs, dancing and socialization of the day center as she is well known for her hokey-pokey dance.

Referring to Active Day as a “country club,” Donna has noticed a positive and friendlier change in her sister since she began spending her weekdays there. “She is more independent,” she said. “The people there just do really well with my sister and we’re very happy with them.”

Brenda’s family is delighted to have found not only a structured environment for her, but a place where she can have fun with others on a daily basis. Families can face different struggles and Brenda and Donna’s prove that caregiving, no matter the roles, is about working together to ensure each other’s happiness.

Rockville resident Yvonne McCullough, 78 years old, has been a weekly volunteer for 11 years at Winter Growth, Inc., Olney, MD, an adult medical day center, where older adults participate in therapeutic activities and make friends. The mission of the center is to maintain the self-esteem and human dignity of frail, health-impaired older adults and to allow them to remain living in their local communities. Through her many presentations, Yvonne, nicknamed the “Garden Lady” and the “Nail Lady,” has joyfully shared her life experiences, many exotic trips, and artistic and photographic skills in travel and gardening videos Yvonne is a role model to all in how to make a difference in the world.

Rebecca spent 33 years working for the government before she retired, and spent most of her time taking care of her husband. However, she soon realized the difficulty her mother, Estelle Fletcher, was having living on her own.

“She was 85 at the time,” said Rebecca. “She couldn’t function by herself so I brought her here to stay with me.”

Having her mother move in helped Rebecca handle taking care of both her mother and her husband, with whom she will be married to for 44 years in December. With three children and two grandsons, Rebecca has been caring for her husband since he was diagnosed with dementia due to a brain injury.

Eventually she decided they both needed to be in a new environment around other people they could relate to. She looked through the yellow pages and found Crescent Ridge, one of the medical adult day care centers operated by Senior Network, which provides community-based elder care services.

“My mother needed to be someplace; having her all day with me I didn’t think was a good idea,” said Rebecca. “My husband was in the hospital, and I wanted him to go someplace to spend some time away from me.he was there about two years.”

Spending time at Crescent Ridge allowed Rebecca’s mother and husband the opportunity to receive daytime care while meeting and connecting with new people. Conversely, it also gave Rebecca three free days a week to run errands during the day and enjoy her hobbies, which include walking and participating in a bowling league.

“I think it’s a good program for seniors and caregivers,” she said. “It’s a lot of work taking care of older people as well as those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.”

While her mother participates in various activities at Crescent Ridge such as cooking, sewing and crafts, the program also offers different outings, which Rebecca occasionally joins her family on. Along with the transportation for these trips, adult day programs provide those participants unable to get to and from the program rides.

Aside from the fun activities, the center’s registered nurses ensure each participant’s medical needs are tended to. They provide medication administration, health screenings and medical follow ups. With all of the benefits of the adult day program, Rebecca does in fact now have peace of mind knowing her mother is in good hands.

“We spent six months looking for stuff for her to do,” said Kristen, “Then one day I saw a van driving through my neighborhood that had the Manassas Senior Center sign on it.”

Since Elinetta has a difficult time moving around and needs assistance, the center gave her granddaughter the number for the Manassas Senior Day Program.

“I cannot speak highly enough of the program,” said Kristen, “I know that she’s safe and happy and it gives me a chance to relax.”

At the adult day center, Elinetta takes part in various activities such as bingo, arts and crafts, and listening to music. People can also play a number of games and enjoy movie days. Most important to Kristen, however, is the staff that she said has been so kind to her grandmother.

“They take really good care of her and that’s the main issue,” she said, “She’s so happy when she goes there.”

Elinetta grew up in Johnstown, PA and was involved with the Daughters of the American Revolution. Although her husband of over 50 years has passed away, Elinetta is a proud grandmother of nine and also has seven great-grandchildren.

It has been a year since she first attended the Manassas Senior Day Program, and according to Kristen, Elinetta has established several connections through the day care.

When Prince William County thought of shutting down the program and changing it to a private sector, Kristen did not hesitate to speak on its behalf.

“Programs like these have to be in place,” she said, “Not everyone has their retirement plans set up and I can definitely see more parents living with their children in the future.”

Elinetta would have to agree since, as her granddaughter mentioned, she keeps increasing the time she spends there.

“We started at one day a week to test the waters and see how the place was,” said Kristen, “Now she’s been going two-four days, and even a whole week at times.”

With many individuals now becoming caregivers for their loved ones, Kristen would recommend taking advantage of adult day cares, as it has relieved some of the stress that can accompany such a role.

“It goes beyond anything that we have experienced,” she said, “It’s a wonderful program.”

I attended an Alzheimer’s Association support group at Forest Park Center and one at Liberty Heights. At these support groups, I met Tanwa Suma, who works for the Alzheimer’s Association. She talked to us about the services that the Alzheimer’s Association offers for caregivers and their loved ones. Tanwa invites presenters to the support group meetings that share interesting and helpful materials. This support group has been a great service and relief for me. I have learned I am not alone, that others have the same problems, and that some may be worse than mine. I have a chance to share and get valuable tips that are useful. As a result of attending the support groups, I have made new friends. I have also participated in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walks.

Tanwa has also conducted workshops made possible by the superb training of the Alzheimer’s Association. One of these, “Partnering with Your Doctor,” was dynamic and has been most helpful.

I have attended three conferences that have been sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association. At these conferences, presenters share information about available resources for caregivers. Vendors are present that have complimentary items for attendees. Respite care is also available, and this is a great help. Caregivers and their loved ones receive a continental breakfast and a delicious, nutritious lunch. At the conference in June at Mt. Lebanon Church, my husband won a 9-inch. television.

My greatest help from the Alzheimer’s Association has been the reimbursement, which helps pay for Adult Day Care. Attending Adult Day Care has been really good for Cleo because of the social interaction and the different activities. It also gives me time to relax, go to lunch, shop, or just stay home and read. It is important for caregivers to have time alone to be able to regroup, get refreshed, and be there for their loved one when he or she comes home. The reimbursement for respite has also helped pay for overnight and weekend relief for me as a caregiver.

I have received a wealth of valuable and useful information that I have used to help others who do not attend support groups. The Alzheimer’s Association has been a lifeline for me in my job as a caregiver for Cleo. If you are a caregiver and need help, please call the Alzheimer’s Association. Someone there will help you; they helped me.

Sincerely,
Gladys Powell

After graduating from seminary, Mr. Fletcher and his wife established a pastorate at Grand Road Methodist Church in Fairfax, VA. Glen was in the pastorate for twenty years before working for Fairfax County social services and later with a health insurance company. Of his work as a pastor, Mr. Fletcher relates, “a couple has to work together in whatever they do, all those pastorates were as much my wife’s as mine. She was always very much involved and helped to put programs in place that are still in the communities today.”

Glen is quick to give credit to his wife for all his accomplishments and for his current recovery. Her assistance has been essential to his current recovery. However, in order for her to maintain her current job, the couple had to find a way for Glen to receive the necessary therapy and day-time care. “We wanted to find an organization that could help us in resettling after the accident. I had to have a place where I wasn’t just left at home alone since I had a lot of healing left to do. We found a new organization in our area, Hearth & Home Senior Adult Day Healthcare Program, that we thought could help,” recalls Mr. Fletcher. Glen and his wife decided the program could assist them, and he has been attending since June.

During the day, he participates in activities ranging from reading in the well-stocked library to enjoying live classical music. However, his time at Hearth & Home isn’t all spent in leisurely activities. He receives rehabilitative therapy at the facility and is involved in all types of physical and mental exercise programs, which help expedite his recovery. As Glen points out, “Being a part of something like this is much better than being at home for so many reasons. It’s nice to have company, and all of the activities keep me on my toes, which helps me to regain my memory and to feel more confident in my ability to fully recover.” Getting better everyday, Mr. Fletcher looks forward to a full recovery.

The care and socialization offered at adult day care centers allows caregivers to feel confident that their loved one is safe and well cared for while they are at work or performing other necessary tasks. Centers offer a variety of programs and amenities, including exercise programs and a diverse schedule of activities, which help keep participants engaged and stimulated.

Assistance with the activities of daily living, including eating, walking, toileting, and medication management may also be available. Additionally, many centers offer physical, speech, and occupational therapies to their participants. All licensed centers provide nutritious meals and snacks on a daily basis.

*Choosing an Adult Day Care Provider*
Use the Housing search engine on our home page to locate Adult Day Care Providers. Information may also be available through senior centers, family physicians, or the local Area Agency on Aging. After locating nearby providers, call them to request flyers, brochures, calendars, and application information.

While reviewing this information, pay careful attention to how many years the provider has been in business and their licensures and certifications. Also, note the hours and days of operation. Additionally, be sure to understand the staff credentials, staff to participant ratio, and the medical conditions the facility and its staff are equipped to handle. Inquire about the availability of transportation to and from the program if it is necessary. The types of activities offered and the menu variety should be considered as well. Specific costs and any financial assistance that is available should be clearly outlined in the information packet.

Reviewing printed materials and asking questions over the phone can help narrow the choices, but the final decision of which Adult Day Care Provider to use must be made in person. During the visit, carefully observe the general atmosphere of the building and the program. The layout of the building and the rooms should ensure easy accessibility for persons in wheelchairs or using walkers. There should be a private area for resident and staff conferences. A separate area so that individuals who are ill can be isolated from the general population is also important. The entire facility should be clean and pleasant. Furniture should be sturdy and comfortable, with choices available for lounging and participating in activities.

Beyond the general set up of the facility, focus on the interaction between the staff members and the participants. Do the participants appear happy and satisfied? Are volunteers available to offer assistance? The center should be a welcoming place, complete with staff members who are ready and able to help. Also, notice the participation level of the attendees. Are they actively involved in activities? Inquire as to whether or not participants are involved in planning activities. Ask how staff members handle suggestions for new or different programs or activities.

During the visit, staff members should be able to provide clear and easy to understand information about the services and activities provided at the center. Be sure to obtain answers for any remaining questions about center procedures, staffing, and costs.

Checking references from individuals who are currently using the provider or have used them in the past is the final step. After choosing a provider, try them for at least three to five days. If there are problems making the adjustment, staff members may be able to offer advice to help make the transition smoother.

Article adapted from the National Adult Day Services Association, Inc.’s website. For more information, visit www.nadsa.org.

Says Dee, “Mom bought a beach home on the Northern Neck of Virginia and went back and forth. As mom’s driving deteriorated, she moved back with us full time. She was very active with friends in the area. We began to see that she was becoming less independent. She went to a physician and was diagnosed with dementia. We began to investigate places where she could go, and we found an Adult Day Center.”

Of the center, Dee explains, “It has been a godsend for when I need to go to work and can’t supervise mom. They have tons of social activities and keep her very occupied. She is there 3 days a week, and we are considering 4 days. The staff is very attentive and very nice; they have great activities, and we are very impressed. This is her home and we didn’t want to move mom to a facility. Until I cannot physically take care of mom, she will be in the home with us. The reverse role of now taking care of a parent is not a fun thing, but she was there for me and my siblings, and I enjoy being there for her.”