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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information Adult Day Health, a jewel for elders
By Chip Joffe-Halpern
The Adult Day Health program on Curran Highway is a precious resource for elders in North Berkshire, solving one of the most challenging dilemmas faced by older Americans.
Dramatic improvements in medical technology now enable elders to survive many diseases, including heart disease and cancer, and to live longer than ever before. The dilemma is that many now live with multiple medical infirmities, cognitive deterioration and social isolation. To remain living in the community, many require support and stimulation to make their daily lives safe and meaningful, and to give needed respite to family caregivers. Adult Day Health, administered by the Brien Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services does just that.
Now in its 19th year, Adult Day Health has helped more than 1,000 area elders live independently in their homes. The program serves a broad range of individuals. Many are high functioning and independent while others need more care due to medical and/or cognitive needs. Adult Day Health is administered by a committed nursing and program staff, and the vibrant and stimulating atmosphere and well-structured program of socialization is impressive.
Individuals start their day being greeted by program staff and enjoying a light breakfast. This is also an opportunity to work on individual projects or one may just want to socialize with others.
The day continues with highly structured groups, such as exercise classes, highly structured sports activities, literature discussion, music appreciation, arts and crafts, and current events. And all the while, nursing care is being administered, physicians are consulted with and families are being supported. It is a busy day and everyone is kept positively stimulated. When participants go home in the afternoon, they have a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
Deciding to have a parent cared for by others, even for only six hours a day, can pose a difficult personal challenge for families. Understandably, adult children feel responsible to care for their increasingly frail parents, even in the face of having multiple personal stressors, including work and caring for their own children. We feel guilty, and sometimes even tormented, about putting a loved one under the care of others, imagining that we are inadequate to the task or that we don’t love the person enough.
The truth is the by trying to go it alone, we may be denying our loved one what he or she really needs. Here is a sampling of quotes from family members whose loved one attends Adult Day Health: “Phil has been in a much better mood, he loves going there three days a week. He’s put on much-needed weight, and he looks better. It helps me because I don’t have to worry about him for those three days. It is also good for socializing and meeting the nice people who care for him.”
“What a wonderful home away from home Adult Day Health is! And with warm and caring staff constantly alert to each individual’s needs.”
“My mother states that the people there are like family to her, and she feels that she is treated very, very well. She is happy to go every day she can. You should be proud of what you do there.”
“Thank you for your wonderful care, I don’t know what we would do without you.”
Organizations are only as valuable as the people who comprise them. Personally, in my 23 years as a health and human service professional in North Berkshire, I have rarely encountered a group as caring and committed to caring for elders as the staff of Adult Day Health.
In our youth-oriented culture we frequently don’t pay enough attention to the needs of older adults. It really is a shame if we don’t see what is available for elders right here in North Berkshire. Adult Day Health is a jewel in our backyard.
To make a referral to Adult Day Health, or its sister program in Pittsfield, call Nancy Vecellio at 413-664-4048, or Sandy Doppel at 413-442-4978. See article on this page for a complete list of programs.
Chip Joffe-Halpern is Executive Director of Ecu-Health Care “and this article is reprinted with permission of the "North Adams Transcipt."