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County takeover breathes new life into adult day program
By Emily Elders
A saying heard often in the mountains is that “sunshine won’t do you nothin’ but good, so get on up and go outside.”
It’s usually “old-timers” giving that good advice, and most often it’s those same people who miss the sunshine most as they get older and less able to “get outside.”
The driving principle behind Jackson County’s adult day care program is to provide that figurative and literal sunshine and social interaction to seniors. The program’s recent adoption by the county has allowed an expansion of its hours and services, and spots are now available for new participants.
Sunshine isn’t the only offer they make to older adults, although often just getting out of the house and into the world has the most positive effect, according to Director Diane Melton.
“It’s something about remaining independent that makes this such a good place,” she said. “Remaining strong on your own and out of the rest homes is something we really try to focus on.”
The adult day care program, which is currently housed in Love’s Chapel United Methodist Church, offers day-long activities for seniors who need daily interaction but are still capable enough to remain in their own residences or with families. Some of their activities include crafts, musical programs, outings, special events and exercise. Two days a week, the group goes to lunch at the Community Service Center to eat and socialize with other groups, courtesy of the county’s congregate nutrition program, and on-site meals are provided on other days. Limited transportation is available.
Benefits for families who find themselves taking care of an elderly relative, an often time-consuming and stressful task, can be twofold, said Helen Bryson, Department on Aging director.
“There’s something to be said for the caretaker’s security in knowing their loved one is in a safe place, where they can enjoy themselves,” she said.
However, she also pointed out that a day program helps seniors remain healthy without utilizing rest homes or other care, which can be prohibitively expensive and is often more convenient for caregivers than necessary for the senior’s well-being.
With the county administering the program, more possibilities are opening up at the center – the main one being the hours during which services can be provided.
“We really want to reach out to working families and help people realize that there are services out here that can help,” said Bryson. The center, which is centrally located between Cullowhee and Sylva, is now open from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Currently, the three staff members (including Melton) and various senior companions have between seven and 10 clients, depending on the daily schedule, while they are certified for 16. That number could go up as more funding becomes available, Bryson said, and the program could eventually reach more than 20 participants.
The future of the program looks good, according to Bryson. The county’s planned Aging Services Facility, which will be located near the new Department of Social Services building, will include an expanded location for the center, and other plans are in the works to combine the day program with the In-home Respite program, which contracts with certified providers to provide in-home treatment to those whose dementia or Alzheimer’s prohibits their participation in outside programs.
“We want to keep initiating more events as we move along,” she said. “We’re trying to improve the quality of life for seniors.”
As the Baby Boomer generation enters retirement age, the issue of caretaking has become a nationwide concern, said Bryson.
“There are so many elderly people who need caretakers, but their adult children also have to worry about their own kids, their families and their jobs,” she said. “It can be a lot of stress, and it’s often that social aspect that seniors are missing out on. They’re just being taken care of – they’re not really getting out there.”
Melton agrees that her program fills a need that most people don’t consider when deciding how to best provide caretaking services for themselves and their loved ones.
“It’s the social aspect that helps more than anything,” she said. “A big part of staying healthy as you get older is that social interaction.”
To enroll yourself or a relative in the program, contact Melton at 586-4441 or the Department on Aging administrative office at 586-8562.
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