How to age in place with adult day services

Every weekday morning Howard is so happy to get on the bus. At 75 years old, he’s going to his local Adult Day Service provider, The Gathering Place in Brattleboro.

There are two Adult Day Service Centers in Southern Vermont. The Gathering Place is on Terrace Street in Brattleboro and Bennington Project Independence is on Harwood Hill Road in Bennington. Both serve participants who are elderly, disabled or dealing with a chronic illness.

There are a lot of reasons why Howard loves going to The Gathering Place. First, he gets to play a lot of card games. He loves to join in cooking and learn new recipes. Volunteers come and share fascinating information about the world on topics like geology, biology, music, etc. And, there is always a blank canvas in need of a creative touch. He chooses from a variety of offerings, including stamp club, sewing club, bingo, exercise, and field trips. But most of all, Howard gets to see the people who have become his best friends everyday.

That’s what really motivates him to get on the bus.

In addition to the wide variety of activities enjoyed at Adult Day Service Centers, staff also help each participant stay healthy. Clinical staff coordinate chronic disease management with the participants’ providers. They ensure they get to their medical appointments and help participants take their medication regularly. Staff monitor their vital and other health signs, noting if anything has changed recently, and contacting the right person if something has changed. For illnesses such as dementia, COPD, and diabetes, this clinical oversight can prevent a lot of unnecessary medical interventions.

For some people, just helping with activities of daily living can make all the difference. For example, Adult Day Service Centers help participants maintain their hygiene with their nails, teeth, bathing, feeding, dressing, toileting and hair-dressing. Centers assist with walking, physical therapy support, and other ambulato- ry supports as needed.

Family members, like Howard’s daughter, Katherine, appreciate knowing their loved ones are safe and cared for at Adult Day Centers in Southern Vermont. Before Howard started going to The Gathering Place, “I would worry about him every day.” During the pandemic a lot of people became more isolated. “Howard was losing his ability to communicate - he just wasn’t talking to anyone and he wasn’t getting out.” Now that he’s at The Gathering Place, “He’s just so happy everyday,” explains Katherine. Adult day services can also provide valued respite for family members who live together. Family members can go to work during the day, knowing that their mother or father is safe at The Gathering Place or Bennington Project Independence. That respite can help families stay together, and avoid the costs and family-separation of assisted living or a nursing home. Participants are able to stay in their own community.

If you are interested in learning more about adult day programs, touring or scheduling a visit, please contact The Gathering Place in Brattleboro at 802-254-6559, or Bennington Project Independence at 802-442-8136.