One of the wonderful benefits of being an adult day center affiliated with VNSNY CHOICE (http://2012.vnsnychoice.org/) is that we have access to experts to provide health education.  Recently, VNSNY CHOICE Rehabilitation Consultants gave excellent Falls Prevention presentations to seniors in our dementia program. Although one might think that people with dementia may have difficulty understanding the information, we’ve been pleasantly surprised at how much the seniors learned and what good questions they’ve been asking about this important topic.

Since the presentations, we have seen noticeable changes in behavior that are helping our…

It always strikes me how the Day Center staff encourage and support our seniors to participate in activities. They do it in such a gentle and dignified way. Sometimes it’s direct and other times it’s just a subtle look or touch that gives the seniors the courage to dive in and participate.

This morning, our members were gathering in the circle to exercise, and the music was playing to get everyone in the mood. Ms. N. was bouncing in her chair – you could see that she was itching to get…

We have regular discussion groups at the VNSNY CHOICE Adult Day Center. Sometimes they are stand-alone activities and sometimes they’re incorporated into existing activities like exercise or art classes. Sometimes they focus on current events and sometimes through reminiscence therapy, they focus on their pasts, families, relationships, occupations or whatever our seniors want to talk about.

Whatever the context and content, they’re always interesting and they always provide an opportunity for cognitive stimulation, socialization and expressing thoughts and feelings. Below are some questions and interesting answers from a recent group:

What were…

In my past blogs, I’ve talked about how invaluable are our Home Health Aides. They’re the heart and soul of our Day Center, and they’re in constant contact with our seniors to meet their needs. During a recent meeting, the aides were asked to talk about what makes them unique and what special qualities they bring to the center. I was quite touched by their responses and wanted to share them with you…

• I give security and make seniors feel safe to talk about their issues.
• This center has brought me up –…

Last month, the VNSNY CHOICE Adult Day Center celebrated our 11 year anniversary. Someone recently asked me to describe my favorite center moment or special event. As I thought about it, I realized that my favorite moments are not the special events. They’re the times that I’m sitting in my office and I hear laughter throughout the center or I see members breaking out into spontaneous song or dance. They’re the times a Home Health Aide is walking down the hallway with someone and I overhear the beautiful way our…

If you care for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease and just went through Hurricane Irene, you know that a crisis can make caregiving even more challenging. People with Alzheimer’s can’t always express how they feel, but they can be very attuned to their environment, the people around them, and how they’re feeling. Coping with a disaster can be stressful, people with Alzheimer’s may feel that stress and it can affect their behavior. Here are some tips on coping after a crisis from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America:

• Ensure that your loved one…

In 2011, as you walk down the street, sit in a restaurant, travel or drive in your car, cell phones are everywhere — they have become a part of everyday life. Can you remember a time when cell phones didn’t exist? Our seniors do, and they have a lot to say about it! They shared their memories of a simpler time when you spoke on the phone at home and if you weren’t home, you focused on life (not the phone). Here are some of their thoughts and feelings about…

We have seniors from over 25 countries at the VNSNY CHOICE Adult Day Center. It’s important to incorporate everyone’s cultures into the fabric of our center to help our seniors feel comfortable. They love learning about each other, and sharing their cultures and traditions with each other.

Last week, we had a special event celebrating the many cultures represented here. Our celebration included cooking, discussion groups, and reminiscence therapy. For lunch, we cooked and served a variety of foods including baked ziti, plantains, tacos, and pie. A strange combination, but everyone…

Embracing change is hard. Imagine you had difficulty walking and your doctor told you it was time to start using a cane. Imagine he handed it to you right then and there. Would you use it?

Losing Independence

For many the very thought of using a cane signals the end of independence altogether. While I spend a good deal of my time trying to convince my clients it’s not, I do understand the feeling.

I’ve always had 20/20 vision and somehow expected I always would. When I look back I realize this expectation…

When caregivers think of adult day services, they think about the activities, supervision, nutrition, and personal care their loved ones receive at the center. Below is an example of Ms C. – we work with her caregiver regularly to help her stay safe at the center as well as at home.

Ms. C. has been attending our center 5 days a week for over 2 years. Her diagnoses include diabetes, hypertension, and Alzheimer’s Disease. Ms. C’s daughter is her primary caregiver and doesn’t live with her, but she’s in close contact…