What is Adult Day Programs?

Adult day care, which has been available in New Jersey since 1975, has become an integral part of the continuum of care for the elderly as the population has aged and the lifestyle of families has changed.

The diverse population served by these programs has a variety of reasons for participation. Some do not need nursing-home care but require daytime supervision in order to live at home or other community housing. Others need assistance in order to maintain themselves in their own homes. Then there are those who need time-limited support while making the transition from independent living to group care, and those who are isolated due to financial difficulties, lack of transportation or functional impairments.

Adult day programs may reduce isolation and loneliness by providing group involvement and companionship in addition to providing opportunities for personal enrichment and creative endeavors in an atmosphere that enhances the value of human life and affirms self-worth.

These programs also address health maintenance and the restorative needs of clients, providing a quality level of service to maintain or improve the physical, mental and emotional well-being of the elderly.

Studies have shown that participation in adult day care reduces hospitalization among the elderly.

Another primary goal is to provide a much-needed break for caregivers. Adult day care affords caregivers an opportunity for scheduled time off. Adult day care may supplement home health care and other long-term community care programs for older adults who are no longer totally independent, but it can also provide transitional services for individuals who may eventually require long-term care.

There are three types of adult day care programs. Medical day programs are licensed and regulated by the New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services to provide preventative, diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services under medical supervision to meet the needs of impaired older adults. Social day programs are organized programs of services designed to foster the independence of participants and promote their social, physical and emotional well-being. Then there are programs specifically designed to meet the needs of those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.

Adult day care offers a variety of activities that may include exercise, trips, luncheons, crafts, musical activities, intergenerational programs and discussion groups. Most programs serve at least one meal a day and offer door-to-door transportation.

The cost of adult day care varies by program. Community Medicaid is accepted at medical day care programs and will pay in full for participants, up to five days a week. Various grant programs administered by local governments and agencies may also provide service for older adults, or supplement the cost to families

Finally, when considering adult day care as an option, here are some suggestions to keep in mind:

• Visit the program
• Check staff credentials. Look for trained and caring professional staff members.
• Make an appointment to speak to the director of the program.
• Speak to participants.
• Ask to see a copy of the present month's calendar of activities. Will they meet your loved one's needs and interests.
• Find out if therapeutic activities are varied and if they meet the needs of participants of varying functioning levels.
• If it's an option, make sure that your loved one is involved in the selection of the adult day-care program and that he or she is involved in the tour and admissions process. Remember, you are not choosing an adult day-care center for yourself and should be looking at it from the perspective of your relative.

This article originally appeared in Elder Caregiving: An Exploration, a special edition of New Jersey Jewish News.

SJH Adult Day Programs

Adult Day Programs provides a safe, supervised and caring environment, which focuses on the individual needs of the disabled and elderly adults. The program also offers needed respite to individuals and family members who have the responsibility of providing care to their loved ones.

Licensed by the New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services, and approved by Medicaid, the Adult Day Programs provide preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services under the direct supervision of health care professionals. A registered nurse is on site during program operating hours.

Services are provided by our well-qualified staff who are thoroughly trained, licensed and bonded for the protection of our clients. A board of trustees, composed of volunteers, oversees the activities of the program. It is a member of the National Council on Aging.

Location

SJH Adult Day Programs has two locations serving the Salem and Cumberland County.

• Fenwick Plaza at Broadway and Walnut Streets in Salem, New Jersey. The facility is clean, bright, and attractively furnished.
• Fairton site is located at 23 North England Cross Road in Fairton , New Jersey in a beautiful rural setting surrounded by landscaped gardens.

Both sites are ground-level and wheelchair accessible.

Transportation

Transportation is included in the program. Program operated wheelchair accessible vehicles provide round trip transportation to and from Adult Day Programs each day.

Program Staff

The program’s staff includes: registered nurses, program aides, a dietary aide, van drivers, a social worker, and activities coordinator and a program director. Adult Day Programs proved a safe, supervised, caring environment.

Activities

Adults participate in varied, enjoyable programming, which includes arts and crafts, music, exercise, day trips, entertainment, current events, group discussion, experience and memory sharing, and numerous other special events. A cheerful atmosphere serves to stimulate and encourage socialization and interaction. A nutritious breakfast and lunch, as well as healthy snacks, are included daily. Nutrition education and individual client nutritional counseling are provided.

Hours

The program’s hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for designated holidays.

Note: Participants may attend one to five days per week, depending on individual need and funding availability.

Health Maintenance

The individual needs and capabilities of each adult are assessed in order to maximize participation in the program. Our program provides specialized integrated care, which enables participants to reach their highest functional levels.

Counseling / Caregiver Support Group

A social worker is available to provide information on additional community resources and to assist in accessing resource services. Individual and group counseling are also available. A caregiver support group is offered and meets once a month at the facility.

Fees

Adults who qualify for Medicaid assistance are eligible to participate in the Adult Medical Day Programs at no charge to the participant. Grant Money is also available to assist other interested adults. This funding varies according to the individual’s income level. A private pay sliding fee scale is utilized when all other funding sources have been exhausted.

Visits

A visit to Adult Day Programs is encouraged. Our staff will be pleased to provide information about the program and answer any specific questions you may have. To arrange a visit, please call the program director at (856) 878-6035 - Salem location, (856) 451-7227- Fairton location.

Congregate Nutrition Program

The congregate nutrition program provides a nutritious breakfast and lunch to Salem County residents, over the age of 60, who qualify. Meals, activities and transportation are provided. It is funded through the Salem County Office on Aging.

About SJH Adult Day Programs

SJH Adult Day Programs of South Jersey is a subsidiary of SJH Community Services. Its programs specialize in home heath care, hospice care, adult medical day programs and help services. The organization, located at Broadway and Walnut in Salem, New Jersey, has been serving area residents for over thirty-five years.