Senior adults benefit from county day program

By Rose Hooper

At 92, many of her friends in Tuckasegee tell her she's lucky she can get up every morning.

Chastain rides the Jackson County transit van to the Adult Day Program at Love's Chapel United Methodist Church in Lovesfield. There she meets with a group of ladies who have become fast friends, spending several days a week together.

Now that the weather's a bit chilly, they'll stay inside and finish up the quilt they are working on. Talking makes the quilting go faster, so they engage in a variety of lively conversations.

"Good thing we don't have any men here," said Annie Buchanan. "They probably wouldn't like what all we talk about."

While the current participants are all women, the program is open to men, too, said director Susie Cooper

The program is available to all adults 60 and older who would like daytime companionship and organized activities. While the program operates from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. five days a week, participants can come as little, or as often, as they like.

"Some come every day; some just two or three days a week," Cooper said. "And you don't have to stay all day.

"It's a really good program that benefits caregivers, too. Sometimes caregivers need a break for just a couple of hours," Cooper said. "They can't leave the person alone that they care for and they might not have anywhere to take them. That's why we are here to help."

The state-certified program operates under a partnership between Smoky Mountain Center and Love's Chapel Methodist. Even though it operates with SMC, it is not a mental health program, Cooper stressed.

The main purpose is to keep the older adults out of nursing or rest homes and to help them remain independent and maintain their current level of functioning.

"If I didn't come, I'd just be sitting at home," said Edith Hall.

"It's right interesting. I'd much rather come here than sit at home by myself," said Willa Mae Green.

"I really like the companionship," said Birdene Davis, who started coming when her husband died.

"Most of us are widows who live alone," said Jemima Tucker. "I like the program because it gives me a chance to get out and meet others."

"They take us shopping and out to eat and we go to Southwestern Community College and have our hair and nails done," said Davis.

"And Birdene got us all rides on the train (Great Smoky Mountains Railway)," said Green.

The women enjoy the outings, as well as their daily activities that include arts and crafts.

"Sometimes we exercise, but sometimes we just loafer," said Buchanan.

"We plan special programs for them with presenters like Dora Caldwell from the recreation department, Christine Rivers of the health department and Cheryl Beck with extension service," said Cooper.

Chastain and the others like the meals, too. "They fix them over at the high school and they give us plenty to eat," Chastain said.

Fees are affordable for all income levels, said Cooper, who noted some participants may qualify for special subsidized care through the Area Agency on Aging.

For more information about the program, contact Cooper at 586-5441.

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