[This piece was written by Jessica Flynn, Community Liaison for Adult Day Health Care, James A. Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center.]
A recent study of older Americans reported on by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, found seniors who were physically active on a daily basis, even without exercise, had better cardiovascular health and lived longer than those who were less active. The consensus among researchers was the simple act of getting out of the house and moving about kept seniors’ blood pumping more efficiently, leading to longer and better lives.
So older adults should get up and out the door for better health – sounds simple, right? But ask any caregiver of an older loved one and they will tell you it can be a bit more complicated. Physical limitations, dementia or other memory loss issues, and transportation concerns keep many seniors from venturing out of the home.
For the caregivers of these older individuals, it can be challenging to ensure their loved one is reaping the benefits of a strong social network outside the home. Finding a balance between meeting their needs and fulfilling your own work and personal obligations can be a struggle. That is where an adult day program can help.
Adult day programs provide unique social, physical, mental, and recreational opportunities for adults living at home – not just seniors – who, due to illness, injury or age, need a safe and secure daytime environment.
For more than 20 years, Eddy DayBreak has helped to improve the quality of life for adults by providing a safe daytime environment that offers opportunities for independence, growth and development.
Eddy DayBreak tailors its programs, both medical and social models, to meet the unique needs of each individual. Participants have opportunities for interpersonal contact in a setting that offers activities, exercise and fun.
For seniors who have developed dementia or memory loss – whether caused by Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, heart disease or other illness – specialized medical programs exist to meet their specific needs.
For individuals who are still independent, but would benefit from the structure and companionship of a social day program, Eddy DayBreak offers individuals the opportunity to learn new activities while connecting with others. The Rensselaer location of Eddy DayBreak also offers a unique, weekly social program that focuses on art, music and dance therapies. These hour-long sessions are available thanks to a grant through the NYS Office for Aging.
All Eddy DayBreak locations provide:
- Hot lunch and snacks
- Recreational, educational and social activities
- Supervision and assistance with personal care
- Transportation, if eligible
- Caregiver services
- Referral support
In addition, the Eddy DayBreak medical model provides services that make it a “one-stop-shop” for participants and their caregivers:
- Medication management
- Diabetic management
- Lab and podiatry services
- Rehabilitation therapies
- Social work services
- Nursing assessments/care
- Pharmacy review
- Assistance with personal care/hairdressing services
For information on any of the Eddy DayBreak programs throughout the Capital Region, or to schedule a tour or request a free trial day, please call (518) 729-6523.
