Washington County Health Center – adult day care ‘priceless’ option
Program aide Twyla Chambers helps Patsy Belcastro play the Wii baseball game as other seniors await their turn at the Washington County Health Center's Adult Day Center.
For the seniors who are more mobile, floor exercise is added to the exercise session at the Washington County Health Center's Adult Day Center. From left are program aide Twyla Chambers, Francis Weitryzkowski, Patsy Belcastro and Ken Goehring.
Social services director Christina Wehner calls the Washington County Health Center’s adult day care program “the golden hidden secret.”
She will get no argument from Teresa Moore of Canonsburg, whose mother, Dora Moore, has been attending the Adult Day Center Monday through Friday for the past two years.
Dora, 79, has Alzheimer’s disease, and she’s been living with Teresa for four years. Before her father, Albert “Abby” Moore, died from cancer in June 2012, Teresa relied on him to tend to Dora during the day. After his death, the Moores’ only child had to make other arrangements; otherwise, Teresa would have been forced to quit her job.
At first, Dora resisted the idea of adult day care.
But when she and Teresa walked into the Washington County Health Center, Dora’s attitude changed.
“She sat down, and they started doing an activity,” Teresa said. “The fact they engaged her that quickly and had her attention, that was the right place for her. She didn’t fight me.”
Within two weeks, Dora started attending the adult day care program, and Teresa has never regretted her decision.
“I could never have imagined my experience to have been as good as it is,” Teresa said. “I know levels of care are different. I just feel they really do care.”
The Washington County Health Center has been operating an adult day care program for close to 40 years. The center is licensed by the state to accommodate 21 clients per day, and is open weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Program manager Tracie Tokar, who came to Washington from an adult day care in Mt. Lebanon seven years ago, said the center’s numbers have increased from an average of 12 clients per day to between 15 and 18 per day since her arrival. The staff-to-client ratio is 1 to 5, even though the state mandates one staff member per seven clients.
“Adult day care is a diamond in the rough,” Tracie said. “It’s very affordable and very cost-effective.”
The cost is $50 for anything over four hours, and caregivers determine the hours of care their loved ones require. In-home care can cost $20 per hour, Tracie said, making adult day care “a nice bridge for them.” In addition, qualifying individuals can receive financial assistance from Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging.
WCHC’s adult day center is an enhanced provider, offering medical care as well as socialization. It has a nurse on staff, offers showers for its clients and can manage special dietary needs. Some families provide their own transportation; others use Washington Rides.
Tracie said adult day care is designed for those who are nursing-home eligible, but whose families want to keep them at home. She said it’s ideal for diabetics who can’t be left alone and those who are nonverbal. One client has been attending day care once a week for 10 years. Another woman who lives alone attends solely for the socialization.
“It’s like a family,” Tracie said. “I think that’s the key for caregivers: They feel like they’re part of our family.”
However, it is the client’s well-being that is the staff’s priority.
“This is their place, their day, their time,” Tracie said. “We believe in quality time. If they’re coming here, they need us, and we do what they need. It’s a good first step for Mom and Dad.”
As a client’s health declines, the staff will discuss other options with the caregiver.
“Our job is to take them through that difficult path,” said Tracie, adding that some clients have transitioned to the health center’s Alzheimer’s unit. “Ultimately, you are always in charge of their care.”
Teresa also has placed her mother in respite care at the health center. Dora thrives during two- or three-day stays, but when Teresa went on a weeklong vacation in May, her mother didn’t fare so well.
“She’s used to our routine,” said Teresa, noting that her mother was extremely confused when her daughter returned. “When you take someone out of their routine – and she’s so attached to me – I knew it would be rough. For me it wasn’t worth it. I spent a month trying to get her back to baseline.”
The adult day center gets referrals from various agencies and individuals. The hospital also will refer patients who are being discharged. The center offers a wide range of activities, such as bingo, exercise, bocce, crossword puzzle, crafts and singalongs. The center also has a vegetable garden that clients help manage, and in the fall, they collected school supplies to fill backpacks as a community service project for Children and Youth Services. Participation in activities is not mandatory and is often dictated by a client’s cognitive and physical abilities.
“I’m so lucky that I found them,” Teresa said. “For me, it’s the perfect place for her. They know how to handle behaviors, and they make sure they are not medically compromised.
“I trust them immensely. They have such a high ethical standard. To me, that is priceless.”