Adult Day Center To Celebrate National Adult Day Services Week

Press release from Adult Day Center of Somerset County:

Sept. 21, 2020

The Adult Day Center of Somerset County will celebrate National Adult Day Services Week from September 21 through September 25. Community leaders are invited to participate in their weekly distance programming schedule. The public are invited to a drive-by open house on Friday, September 25th from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. to learn about the ADC, meet the staff, and pick up an application in anticipation of a future re-opening

National Adult Day Services Week, sponsored by the National Adult Day Services Association, is scheduled for September 19 - 26. Celebrated since it was proclaimed on September 27, 1983, by former President Ronald Reagan, the third complete week of September is set aside annually to raise awareness of the availability and accessibility of adult day programs nationwide. This year’s theme is “Serving Seniors, Veterans and Those with Disabilities Through Diverse Adult Day Programs.”

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is impacting the ADC’s annual recognition of Adult Day Services Week. They have stopped member attendance and care at their Bridgewater facility and have temporarily transitioned to presenting distance programming. Rather than an in-person visit to the ADC, dignitaries are invited to participate in a real-time event through Facebook Live, to film a video message of support, or accompany an ADC staff member to a porch drop off of an ADC activity care packages at a member’s homes.

According to Executive Director Diann Robinson, “The ADC is pleased to recognize Adult Day Services Week this year because it gives us a chance to promote the importance of Adult Day Care in the continuum of care of individuals with an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis. While we are closed, our caregivers are missing their respite, their chance to recharge, and take care of errands. They are struggling with working from home and taking care of their loved one. Our members are missing socialization, friendships and sense of purpose and independence.”

“We plan to reopen as soon as we safely can so that we may offer vital, in-person services again but at this time we don’t know when that will be. We are in touch with state, county, and local officials for guidance. Our members are older adults who are most at risk of complications from COVID-19. In the meanwhile, we are looking forward to the opportunity to bring the community together in a safe way to celebrate the importance of adult day care.”

The ADC, a compassionate community of acceptance, is a non-profit agency committed to providing extraordinary day care services for the elderly and disabled residents of Somerset County, and support for caregiving families.

The ADC’s operating plan for this year has been significantly impacted by the pandemic. Their annual schedule of fundraising events, which raises significant operating funds, is in jeopardy. They have cut back extensively on monthly expenses, but with the lack of private pay fees coming in, they have a large gap to fill. The ADC is proud of its longstanding history of never denying service due to a person’s limited resources and offering a sliding fee scale. To raised much-needed revenue they will kick off their year-end appeal on October 1st and they are holding a virtual wine tasting fundraiser in October.

To learn more about the ADC, including membership, its new activities and resources, or to become a volunteer or donor, contact Hilary Kruchowy for more information at hilary.kruchowy@adultdaycenter.org or 908-725-0068.

This press release was produced by Adult Day Center of Somerset County. The views expressed here are the author's own.