Adult Day and Overnight Stay Care program extends hours

When a person is diagnosed with a physical disability, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, it not only impacts them but also their loved ones.

Many times family members step up and become caregivers.

But it can be difficult to balance being a caregiver with daily responsibilities, like going to work.

That’s why Providence Care created programs such as the Adult Day and Overnight Stay Care, to lend a helping hand to caregivers.

Both operate out of the Hildegarde Centre at Providence Manor, and provide quality respite care for adults living with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or physical disabilities.

“We know how busy the life of a caregiver can be,” said JoAnn Shotton, Program Manager. “Our goal is to make things easier and less stressful, by working around their schedules and other daily activities.”

And to help make that goal a reality, the program is now extending its hours.

That way it caters more to a caregivers’ daily schedule; meaning they won’t have to take time off from work for example, to bring their loved ones to the program.

Starting Mar. 4, 2019, the Adult Day program will operate Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the Overnight Stay Care program will continue to run from 4:30 p.m. Friday to 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

“By reducing caregiver stress, you reduce stress our clients may feel,” explained Beth Bruce, Program Coordinator.

“Not being rushed in the morning for example can affect the kind of day someone has. Clients who are rushed by caregivers can sometimes feel deserted and angry when they arrive to the program. Extending it creates a positive relaxing drop-off, which helps clients start their day off on the right foot.”

The Overnight Stay Care is just like the Adult Day program, except on weekends.

Clients are able to stay overnight, for a day or two and benefit from a variety of services.

Both the Adult Day and Overnight Stay Care programs not only provide relief for caregivers, but also improve the quality of life for clients.

They can take part in a number of activities every day, including card games, gardening activities and cooking groups, in a comfortable home-like setting.

“It provides an enjoyable experience while helping to maintain occupational skills and quality of life. Clients come to the Adult Day program and get a chance to socialize, laugh and share a meal with friends. We dance, sing and exercise. All of the activities help them maintain their independence, mobility and wellbeing,” explained Shotton.

Shotton added the clients also form bonds with one another.

“Many of our clients develop wonderful friendships while attending the Adult Day Program. Those friendships even extend outside the program, with clients meeting for dinner or going to each other’s homes.

And by extending the hours, Bruce said caregivers can rest easy knowing their loved ones are being taken care of in a respectful and compassionate way.