Bergen County Senior Center Provides Daycare for Older Adults

The stylishly dressed woman aimed the ball, leaned forward and took a shot. The ball bounced off the rim, eliciting groans from her teammates. “Try again, Mary,” urged the umpire, Eduardo, as he slid the “basket,” a crate on the floor, a little closer to her.  This time, she dunked it. Her teammates, all seated in a circle of chairs, cheered.   

This was no ordinary b-ball game, but one of the many creative activities designed to promote social interaction and enhance physical and mental functions for clients of the Bergen County Department of Health Services Senior Center, a daycare facility in Paramus for frail elderly adults.  

“We have a lot of fun here,” said Nancy Warren, a licensed social worker and supervisor of the facility.  “Most of our clients have Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia and need constant supervision. We love and take good care of them.”

Established in 1977, the Center offers families a place to bring their elderly relatives when they go to work or just need a respite from caregiving. “We serve clients from throughout the county,” said Warren, as she walked through the well-kept facility.  Services include health monitoring, stimulating activities and social interaction. Education, counseling and a support group for caregivers are also provided.  

“This place has been a godsend,” said Rita O’Hare, Mary’s daughter.  “It’s been a totally positive experience for me and for her.”  A retired middle school teacher who cares full-time care for her mother, O’Hare said she turned to the Center to give herself a break and her mother more social experiences. “It was the first time she had been away from me,” O’Hare said. “I didn’t know what to expect, but she loves it.”

For the past two months, Mary has been going to the Center three days a week. “The facility is very nice and well run,” said O’Hare. “From day one, the staff has been friendly, kind, and compassionate, so I felt comfortable leaving my mother in their hands,” she added. “It’s also affordable and close to home,” said the Paramus resident.  

The Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Clients get a continental breakfast, a hot lunch and a mid-afternoon snack.  Daily activities include games, singing, chair exercises, crafts and professional entertainment by outside performers who volunteer their services. “We’ve had musicians, singers and local schoolchildren who visit regularly and interact with the seniors,” Warren said.  

A hairdresser and podiatrist also both come in regularly, at additional cost. “I’m working on getting a manicurist, too,” Warren said. “I think they’d really like that.”

The staff includes a registered nurse, Florence Jennes, who monitors clients and oversees administration of prescribed medications and dietary needs. Warren noted, though, that the Center does not provide actual medical care. “The seniors who come here must be ambulatory and able to manage their toilet needs,” she explained.

Currently, the Center serves approximately 20 seniors. Clients may register for all five weekdays or just a few. The fee ranges from $40 to $80 per day, and is based on a sliding scale according to the family’s income. There is also bus transportation available to and from the Center.

“Sometimes the elderly person is resistant and doesn’t want to come,” explained Warren, who has a warm, patient and gentle manner. “Usually, after a day or two with us, they want to stay.”  Warren evaluates each applicant to determine if they would be suitable for the program.  She noted that over time, most clients show notable improvement in socializing, coordination skills and general well-being.

The men and women gathered in the attractive dining room for a post-game ice cream snack seemed engaged and genuinely contented.  “Vanilla’s my favorite” enthused one eager man as staffer Donna Aufiero served snacks. “We get very positive feedback from the families,” said Aufiero, who has worked at the Center for 22 years.

“I love it here. This is where I belong,” declared Marge Mullen, a playful type who teased and joked with the clients. Eduardo Huaman, recreation supervisor for the past five years, added, “I love making them laugh. This place is my second home.”

The Senior Center is located in the Bergen County Community Services building at 327 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Paramus. For information, call (201) 634-2820 or email:NWarren@co.bergen.nj.us