Adult Day Care Is The Right Fit For The Whole Family
By Natalie Scott
You’re not alone. According to the National Family Caregivers Association, more than one quarter of the adult population has provided care to a family member or friend during the past year.
After having a heart attack and a stroke, 64-year-old Diane, was no longer able to work. She started to become depressed sitting at home all day, so when she heard about the adult day program at Easter Seals, she told her daughters she wanted to give it a try. Now she happily spends her days among friends, enjoying her time out in the community and the feeling of independence that it brings.
“My mom used to sit at home and cry all day because she was so depressed,” Diane’s daughter, Kim, says. “Easter Seals helps her a lot. It helps keep her involved in her community.”
The Easter Seals adult day care program serves adults who have experienced a disabling condition such as Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, brain injury, other physical limitations and conditions of aging. Transportation and meals are provided to the participants. The program provides a break from caregiving for families or those who work and have other responsibilities.
Nursing care is provided to all participants. A full time nurse provides medical support including monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar, coordinating with physician offices and arranging appointments. The nurse acts as a liaison between participant families, case managers and other health care providers. Easter Seals provides physical, occupational and speech therapies on site, which, if needed, can be added to the individual’s personal care plan. In addition, trained staff are able to help all participants with activities of daily living and personal needs
“I’d be lost without Easter Seals. It is very nice,” says Diane, who comes to Easter Seals five days a week. “I enjoy going out shopping, out to eat and to church with my friends from Easter Seals.”
Easter Seals provides choices when a loved one needs assistance with daily living, and wants to remain living at home. Participants are encouraged to choose from a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, exercise, community trips, computer access and more.
“My mom is always doing something different when I go to Easter Seals. She does a little of everything,” Kim says. “She is sad when she isn’t there.”
Like all Easter Seal services, the adult day care services are comprehensive and individualized to meet each client’s needs, family-focused to meet each family member’s concerns and have the goal of enhanced independence. The adult day care program offers a break for family caregivers responsible for a relative who is unable to function independently, but does not require 24-hour nursing care.
Easter Seals is located at 61 Corporate Circle, New Castle, DE 19720. Please visit our website and see all of our services for people of all ages and abilities: www.de.easterseals.com.
For more information about Easter Seals Adult Day Care Services contact Gwen Harris at 302-324-4444 or [email protected].
Along with adult day care services Easter Seals offers a range of services, including children’s therapies, assistive technology, recreational camping, day programs for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, in home care and respite services for caregivers. For more information on all of their services, contact 1-800-677-3800 or visit www.de.easterseals.com.
