Clients receive comprehensive health, social, and therapeutic services, and caregivers get respite and resources
For more than three years, Christine Steiner of Plant City has brought her 87-year-old mother, Angelina Steiner, to the Plant City Adult Day Care Center.
"I can't tell you how many times I have picked her up and she is laughing," Steiner said. "I am more than happy with the program and all the services."
They have a lot of activities for her mother to do, Steiner said.
The staff keeps clients busy with a fun schedule that includes exercise, memory games, arts and crafts, singalongs, movies, on-site outdoor activities ,and more. Clients receive regular visits from a Hillsborough County nutritionist and social worker, and they have guest speakers. Lunch is provided every day.
"They don't run out of things to do," Steiner said. "I have seen a big change in her, and it gets me excited."
"And the staff is very professional, and they have a lot of experience," she said.
"It's like a family setting."
Wide variety of services offered across the County
Hillsborough County Adult Day Care Centers offer comprehensive health, social, and therapeutic services to functionally impaired older adults in a community-based setting. Adult Day Care Centers allow caregivers to receive respite or continue employment while their loved ones receive care in a supervised and socially stimulating setting. The activities offer mental, social, and physical stimulation for those who have frailties or have physical or cognitive impairments alongside chronic health conditions. These services can help prevent premature placement in long-term care facilities.
Hillsborough County Aging Services operates four Adult Day Care Centers in Hillsborough County: Plant City Adult Day Care Center, Wimauma Senior Center, Bloomingdale Adult Day Care Center, and Tampa's Phyllis Busansky Specialized Alzheimer's Center in Tampa.
All centers are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Each center is staffed with an interdisciplinary team of professionals, including a licensed practical nurse, certified nursing assistant, adult day care aide (activities specialist), and case manager. Through the interdisciplinary team of professionals, the centers engage clients in a host of activities that include nutrition and wellness education sessions, monthly vital checks, therapeutic exercise groups, sensory awareness activities, crocheting, arts and crafts, reality orientation and reminiscing groups, and social games such as bingo, dominos, and Family Feud.
Adult Day Care services are provided to older adults age 60 and older. Prior to enrollment, potential clients are assessed to ensure they are appropriate for Adult Day Care and do not require services outside the scope of the interdisciplinary team. There are no income restrictions to attend Adult Day Care. Services are made possible through private pay or a combination of state and federal revenue grants that may require a co-payment.
Resources for caregivers
In addition, caregiver support services are included within Adult Day Care Center initiatives. These supportive services include monthly caregiver support groups, an annual health fair, annual caregivers' workshop, fall prevention programs, ongoing Alzheimer's Disease trainings, and referrals to community agencies like the Alzheimer's Association and USF Memory Disorder Clinic.
While her mother is receiving care, Steiner takes the opportunity to run errands and cross items off her to-do list. It also gives her time to relax and plan her day. She takes advantage of the classes, programs, and guest speakers offered to assist caregivers as well.
"They offer a lot of resources for caregivers," Steiner said.
Steiner remains active in the Plant City Adult Care Center Advisory Council. Her mother is currently on leave from the center, but is expected to return soon, Steiner said.
"It's a jewel in the city," Steiner said. "As soon as more people know about it, there's going to be a waiting list."
To learn more, individuals can visit HCFL.Gov/Aging. Individuals interested in more information can contact the Aging Services Customer Care Team at (813) 272-5250.