Is Isolation Hurting You? Adult Day Center May be The Answer: Better Health for You and Your Caregiver While many of us want to believe that warmer weather is approaching and vow to get more active, it’s not always the icy claws of winter that keep us indoors. Regardless of the weather, for seniors with health issues that prohibit them from taking long walks, driving, or being independent, the isolation can be excruciating and harmful to their health. Those who have family members who are full- or part-time caregivers may not realize that the demands of caregiving may be harmful to their health as well. For those who receive no help or reprieve from taking care of their loved ones, the stress is unrelenting, and continuous, especially so for more than ten percent of the caregivers who live more than an hour away. Studies show that they experience more depression, anxiety, and feelings of being in limbo. They can’t be with their loved ones at all times, and that can cause feelings of guilt and additional stress. Interestingly, women bear the brunt of unpaid caregiving and lose about $324 thousand dollars in lost wages and benefits throughout their careers due to caregiving. American businesses lose 10 billion dollars per year in lost employees and wages. An Adult Day Center (ADC) may be the answer to better health and a more fulfilling life for everyone. While isolation is known to increase risks for early mortality, dementia, depression, re-hospitalizations and falls, it can be countered by the many benefits to the care, nutrition, social and educational interactions that occur daily at an ADC. Attendees can still live in their own homes, but get out each day and are more engaged in daily living and experience a stronger need to contribute to society, equaling less isolation. Attending an ADC can help smooth the transitions into skilled nursing facilities if the need arises later. There are government programs and some insurance companies that cover ADC. The Mandel Adult Day Center on the Menorah Park Campus is among the oldest established adult day centers in the nation, and offers specialized programs and services for adults of all ages. “We’re changing lives, and we’re changing how people age,” explains Director Tina Witt. “ADC services enhance mood, energy level, and quality of life for seniors. Our staff and experts provide excellent structured activities and outings that keep their minds sharp and their bodies in motion, while promoting socialization. New activities, events and programs are developed on Campus as needed, including a memory-care protocol that is in practice internationally.” According to Witt, the ADC welcomes all adults, from those who are independent and in need of socialization, to those who experience memory loss or physical challenges. Joining the ADC and attending even as seldom as once per week enhances mood and energy level, and improves quality of life. Witt said that because transportation to the Center is half the battle, the Mandel Day Center picks clients up at their homes for no additional fee, within the service area. She said to ease the fear of trying something new, the Center is offering five free days so people can come and see what it’s all about for a limited time, so anyone interested in attending can try it out first, without charge. If a week is too much to start with, the Menorah Park ADC also hosts Club Menorah, a free community program each month that also offers seniors a chef-prepared lunch, educational and exercise programming, free transportation in the service area, and much more – a sampling of what one would experience in the ADC. For more info, or to RSVP to either program, call Tina Witt at 216.839.6673. www.menorahpark. org/ADC. For ALL Your Landscaping Needs COMPLETE LAWN & YARD SERVICE Lawn Maintenance • Mulching Lawn Installation and More Have it done right the first time. Call us today for a free estimate. For over a 100 years, Lady Liberty’s Light has welcomed millions of people to a new home. Light brings thoughts of a safe, secure place. Let the professionals at Liberty Landscape Lighting provide your home or business with a safe, secure and beautiful environment at night. · Free Demo · We install only Copper and Brass fixtures · We use the latest LED Technology · Our LED’s are warm white without the blue tint · 100% Lifetime warranty on all fixtures and bulbs · We accept all major credit cards 216.581.9103 Check out Liberty Landscape Lighting of Northern Ohio on Facebook! Libertylandscapelights@aol.com 440-823-3917 March 2015 n Beachwood Buzz 45