Neighbor News
River House Adult Day Center
"A lifeline for anyone facing the challenges of dementia."
By Linda Ziac
The Caregiver resource Center
February 20, 2018
Find out what's happening in Greenwichfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
www.CaregiverResourceCenter.com
As a CT licensed professional counselor, board certified case manager and board certified dementia practitioner Linda Ziac works with seniors, people with special needs and their families; dealing with a wide range of issues, including the challenges of dementia.
Find out what's happening in Greenwichfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
JUST THE FACTS
- 1 in 3 seniors die each year with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia
- As of 2015, there were an estimated 46.8 million people with dementia worldwide.
An increase of 2.4 million people within the past two years.
- A new case of dementia is diagnosed every 4 Seconds.
- The number of people diagnosed with dementia is expected to double every 20
years, reaching 75.6 million in 2030, and 135.5 million by the year 2050.
- Early diagnosis improves the quality of life of people with dementia and their families
Due to the ever-increasing number of calls that Linda continues to receive from people locally, statewide and around the country, who are struggling with the impact of dementia in their lives, Linda wanted to help people understand the value of an adult day care program.
The purpose of this article is to spotlight a local Greenwich program that offers services to individuals and families dealing with dementia, regardless of their ability to pay.
Linda contacted Donna Spellman MS the Executive Director River House Adult Day Center a not for profit organization located in Cos Cob (Greenwich), CT, to see if Donna would be open to being interviewed on the subject of dementia and adult day care programs.
Donna graciously agreed and Linda had an opportunity to interview Donna Spellman at the River House in Cos Cob, CT.
To follow is Linda Ziac’s interview of Donna Spellman, Executive Director of River House Adult Day Care Center.
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE CHALLENGES FACED BY INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WHO ARE DEALING WITH DEMENTIA?
When asked what Donna sees as the challenges of dementia, Donna said “There is a slow decline. A slow breakdown. The challenge in the early stages is that people try and keep things as normal as possible; although nothing is normal.”
The one thing that I hope that people will take away from this article is to not wait for a crisis, and to be proactive when it comes to families dealing with dementia.”
Donna shared. ”For the individual with dementia there is awareness and often frustration. That frustration may lessen as the dementia progresses. For everyone, there is a sense of loss of the way things used to be.”
One of the things that Donna felt it was important to point out is that the National Institute on Aging reports that some 100 conditions that mimic serious disorders, are actually reversible. Deteriorating intellectual capacity may be caused by a variety of diseases and disorders. These conditions are sometimes called "pseudodementias" and are often treatable.
Donna emphasized the importance of anyone who suspects that a person may have cognitive issues to seek out qualified professionals as early as possible, in order to obtain a comprehensive assessment, an accurate diagnosis, a plan of action and help in finding appropriate resources.
WHAT IS AN ADULT DAY CARE CENTER?
According to the CT General Assembly (2011):
“Adult day care centers,” (also known as “adult day centers,” “adult day health centers,” or “senior day care centers”) are facilities where frail seniors and disabled adults can go during the day if they cannot, or do not wish to, be home alone.
They provide supervision, social and recreational activities, personal care, lunch and snacks, and often medical care and health monitoring from a nurse on the premises. Most attendees need some supervision or medical services and are able to travel to the center during the day.
Family members care for them at night and on weekends. The centers are one way for the elderly or disabled to avoid or delay entering a nursing home and to give family members who care for them a chance to continue working at their jobs or have some respite during the day.
Adult day care centers are operated on a “social model” or a “medical model.” The social model serves people who need supervision and activities to reduce social isolation, but not extensive personal care and medical monitoring.
The medical model provides health monitoring and administration of physician prescribed medications and treatments, coordinated care with personal physicians, personal hygiene and bathing, individual assessments and care plans and toileting while also including all of the aspects and benefits of the social model.
THE BENEFITS OF AN ADULT DAY CARE CENTER FOR THE PERSON WITH DEMENTIA
When Donna was asked about the benefits of an adult day care program for people with dementia, Donna shared “It’s all about ensuring that we are a good fit and that our members can indeed benefit from being here. We provide support to our members and their families, which enhances their quality of life – resulting in a happier, healthier, better life for both seniors and their caregivers. River House is a medical model adult daycare center and we are committed to supporting our families in the most comprehensive and caring manner possible.”
“We help our members create a healthier, more stimulating and social environment, so both days and evenings are better. Our members leave after a great day which results in a more restful and calm night. Agitation due to a lack of stimulation and care dissipates and the entire family functions better. “
Donna said that the River House team also works with members and their loved ones to help identify needs for additional support. “Oftentimes families require additional home-based services in order to address the ever-changing needs of their loved ones. River House works with families to identify available services so that the entire family can improve their quality of life.”
Donna outlined that a member may attend River House for eight hours a day at a cost of $95 - where they can receive comprehensive medical support, socialization, mentally stimulating activities, personal hygiene, haircuts, and a hot meal provided by a professional team; vs. remaining isolated in their home with a caregiver at a cost of $200 for the same eight hour period of time.
Donna also stated that River House would never turn away a family in need, despite their ability to pay.
THE BENEFITS OF AN ADULT DAY CARE CENTER FOR THE FAMILY
When Donna was asked what the benefits to the family are of an adult day care program, Donna responded, “Knowing that your loved one with dementia is well taken care of, having his or her needs taken care of, decreases the stress exponentially for the family. Our support helps families remain safely together in the familiarity and comfort of their homes.”
River House Adult Day Center - Greenwich CT
Donna Spellman MS is the Executive Director of River House Adult Day Center, a not for profit organization located in Cos Cob, CT which has been serving the Greenwich area since 1977.
River House’s Mission
“River House Adult Day Center addresses the impact of aging on families in our community by providing comprehensive, supportive services in a compassionate, safe and engaging setting.”
“As a medical model adult day center, we cater to those who want to live at home but need varying assistance during the day.”
A BRIEF HISTORY OF RIVER HOUSE ADULT DAY CARE CENTER
On May 2, 1977, Greenwich Adult Day Care, then known as the Witherell Pavilion Club, opened its doors at Nathaniel Witherell.
The program began as a one-year pilot project spearheaded by a United Way study and the Greenwich Commission on Aging
In 1981 The Pavilion Club moved to the Greenwich Senior Center. Under the auspices of the Town Board of Health a new Board of Directors was formed and a year later the program name changed to the Greenwich Pavilion Club.
In December 1984, the Greenwich Pavilion Club changed its name to Greenwich Adult Day Care (GADC), and the following year moved back to Nathaniel Witherell.
In 1995, GADC became one of the first day care centers in Connecticut to be certified by Connecticut Association of Adult Day Centers.
In March 2006, construction began at the historic 1927 Railroad Pump House on the corner of the Post Road and River Road Extension in Cos Cob.
On June 18, 2008, GADC held its ribbon cutting ceremony.
July 1, 2008, was the FIRST DAY at GADC now known as River House Adult Day Center
Donna proudly shared, “We will be celebrating our 40 year anniversary in September of this year.”
WHAT IS THE RANGE OF STAFF ON YOUR TEAM?
According to the River House website:
“Our staff works as a team to provide direct care to our members. There is a ratio of at least one staff person to every seven members.”
The professional staff consists of registered and licensed nurses, specially trained health, Alzheimer’s and rehab aides, a licensed clinical social worker, therapeutic recreation director, recreation assistants and music, dance/movement and art therapists.”
THE BENEFITS OF RIVER HOUSE ADULT DAY CARE CENTER
When asked what the benefits of River House are, Donna shared, “People come because they need our help in order to improve their quality of life. We customize our services based on our members’ needs.”
According to the River House website:
“River House is best for adults who:
- Have physical or cognitive limitations
- Find staying home alone during the day too challenging
- Want more social activity
- Require assistance with eating, walking, toileting, bathing, dressing, and/or may be incontinent
- Take medications and/or need treatments
WHAT TYPES OF PROGRAMS AND SERVICES DO YOU OFFER YOUR MEMBERS?
Donna shared “We are committed to keeping people engaged in the community. We make it a point to welcome members of the community to River House and travel to community-based gatherings and offerings on a regular basis.”
“Meals at River House are nutritious, delicious and fun. We have a chef who prepares hot nutritious meals that we serve restaurant style.”
Our programs and services include:
Recreation & Socialization
- Socialization and friendships
- Mentally stimulating activities
- Visits to local cultural organizations
- Music therapy
- Animal and horticultural therapy
Health & Personal Care
- Health monitoring & administration of physician-prescribed medication and treatments
- Coordinated care with personal physicians
- Personal hygiene and bathing
- Daily therapeutic exercises
- Hot nutritious meals
- Individual assessments and care plans
- Toileting
- Podiatry services
- Haircuts and shaves
Alzheimer’s & Special Needs
“River House offers customized programs designed to meet the needs of individuals requiring more attention and those with advanced dementia/Alzheimer’s disease. The program emphasizes one-on-one attention and care and utilizes various specialized therapies led by professionally trained and experienced staff.”
MasterMind at River House
Donna shared that “The River House Master Mind program is designed to enhance brain function.”
Participants in this weekly group engage in challenging and fun activities to enhance memory, verbal fluency, flexible thinking, attention and communication. “Not only does mind fitness improve brain function, but participating in a small group setting increases socialization which in turn elevates mood.”
For more information:
Visit www.theriverhouse.org or contact info@theriverhouse.org or (203) 622-0079
DO YOUR SERVICES INCLUDE FAMILY SUPPORTIVE PROGRAMMING SUCH AS CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS, SOCIAL WORKER CONSULTATION, OR REFERRALS?
Donna was very excited when asked this question, and Donna was quick to respond “Absolutely! River House provides a wide range of services, not only to improve the lives of our members, but their loved ones as well.”
This includes:
- Individual and family counseling, care planning, and referrals for additional support, whenever necessary.
- Assistance with obtaining financial aid and entitlements.
- Care Plan for Caregivers closely evaluates an individual’s situation and seeks out ways to best manage the challenges of caregiving, and searches for ways to get the caregivers life back under control.
- Our many Caregiver Support Groups are open to the community and provide assistance and peer support to professional and family caregivers.
Caregiver Circle
“The Caregiver Circle is a four part series held over 8 weeks designed to give caregivers the resources and support they need. Participants receive vital information on caregiving, a support network of peers, a wealth of information and insight from professionals in the field and a vast knowledge of available community resources to best assist in caregiving.
The Caregiver Circle is free of charge and is open to the community. “
Donna shared “We provide free on-site respite support, while the caregiver attends the program.”
For more information:
Visit www.theriverhouse.org or contact info@theriverhouse.org or (203) 622-0079
WHEN IS RIVER HOUSE ADULT DAY CARE CENTER OPEN?
According to Donna “River House is open 6 days a week, and a member is welcome to come from one to six days per week.”
Hours of Operation are
Monday through Friday
7:30 am to 4:30 pm
Saturday
8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
WHAT IS THE COST OF RIVER HOUSE ADULT DAY CARE CENTER?
When asked what is the cost for a member to attend the River House, Donna proudly shared that,
“No one is ever turned away for financial reasons. We work very hard to identify scholarships, grant programs, financial aid and sliding scales to make it work for families who can benefit from being at River House.”
For more information:
Visit www.theriverhouse.org or contact info@theriverhouse.org or (203) 622-0079
IS TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE FOR RIVER HOUSE MEMBERS?
“Yes. Transportation Association of Greenwich (TAG) has a contract with River House to provide escorted, handicap available, door-to-door transportation throughout Greenwich and Stamford.
Donna added “There is no additional cost for transportation for our members.”
HOW DOES ONE BECOME A MEMBER OF RIVER HOUSE ADULT DAY CARE CENTER?
Donna shared that “Everyone is welcome at River House. The process starts with a phone call to (203) 622-0079 and a visit.”
DOES RIVER HOUSE HAVE VOLUNTEERS?
When asked if River House has volunteers, Donna shared “We are surrounded by wonderful volunteers of all ages, who share their talents and desire to assist our members.”
If you are interested in volunteering at River House in any capacity, please email info@theRiverHouse.org
DOES RIVER HOUSE ACCEPT DONATIONS?
The River House is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Charitable gifts made to most nonprofit organizations that are officially recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as having 501(c) (3) status are considered to be tax deductible contributions.
If you’d like to make a financial donation to River House Adult Day Center please visit:
www.theriverhouse.org or call (203)622-0079.
HELP IS AVAILABLE
If you or someone you know is struggling with the challenges of dementia, why not place a call to River House today, to learn about the many services available.
RESOURCES
Remember that help is just a phone call away!
River House
125 River Road Extension
Cos Cob, CT 06807
203-622-0079
Alzheimer’s Association – 24 hour helpline
800-272-3900
Area Agency on Aging (Southwestern CT)
203-333-9288
Assisted Living Deration of America
703-894-1805
CDC – Centers for Disease Control
800-232-4636
CT Department of Social Services
800-842-2159
Elder Abuse Reporting (CT)
888-385-4225
Elder Abuse Reporting (NY)
800-342-3009
Eldercare Locator (National)
800-677-1116
Federal Information Center
800-FED-INFO
National Adult Day Care Association
877-745-1440
National Association of Homecare & Hospice
202-547-7424
The Caregiver Resource Center
203-861-9833
Veterans Affairs Customer Service
800-827-1000
Photo from the River House
The information in this article is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient provider relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Please consult your health care provider for an appointment, before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.
______________________________________________________________________
Linda Ziac is the owner and founder of The Caregiver Resource Center. The Caregiver Resource Center is a division of Employee Assistance Professionals, Inc. which Linda founded in October 1990. The Caregiver Resource Center provides a spectrum of concierge case management and advocacy services for seniors, people with special needs and families.
Linda’s professional career spans more than 40 years in the health and mental health field as a CT Licensed Professional Counselor, CT Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Board Certified Employee Assistance Professional, Board Certified Case Manager, and Board Certified Dementia Practitioner. In addition, Ms. Ziac has 15 years of experience coordinating care for her own parents.
Linda assists seniors, people with special needs and their families; in planning for and implementing ways to allow for the greatest degree of health, safety, independence, and quality of life. Linda meets with individuals and family members to assess their needs, and develop a Care Team, while working with members of the Team to formulate a comprehensive Care Plan (a road map).
Once a plan is in place, Linda is available to serve as the point person to monitor and coordinate services, and revise the plan as needed. This role is similar to the conductor of an orchestra; ensuring that there is good communication, teamwork, and that everyone remains focused on the desired goal.
