Someone recently asked me what I wished caregivers knew about the adult day industry. My answer was simply that I wished more caregivers knew that the industry existed. That more caregivers knew that there is another option for their loved one outside of a long-term care facility.
Let me be clear, I think that such facilities are a great option and the correct decision for some individuals, but not for all. And the fact is that if I had a dollar for every time I’ve had someone tell me that they wish they knew we existed when their mom or dad were alive, I’d be a rich woman.
I am blessed to be the founder of Joy’s House, an adult day center located in Broad Ripple and another location soon to be on the University of Indianapolis campus. When we opened our doors to guests (clients) in 2000, we were excited when our daily attendance was three, and truth be told, if you had told me that in 2015 we would have two locations, be serving an average of 50 guests a day and be recently awarded the best adult day center in the nation, I would have laughed at you. This is my reality though, so please excuse me as I brag for a moment.
We wouldn’t be where we are if it weren’t for the team that we have here at Joy’s House. Each staff member is recruited and retained based on their skill (ability to do their job), will (the willingness to do their job), and culture (their ability to forward the mission of Joy’s House). We have a growing Caregiver Support and Education program, which includes retreats, creative expression sessions, CARE kit binders and the Caregiver Crossing radio program. These programs are what led us to being named the Most Outstanding Center in the Nation by the National Adult Day Service Association.
There are wonderful centers around Indianapolis, and they offer great services. Some have medical services and others don’t. Some are not-for-profit, while others are for-profit. Some offer transportation services and some don’t. Some have caregiver services and others don’t. If you are currently a caregiver, one day will be, or know someone who is, I encourage you to look into adult day services as an option for care.
I invite you to stop by and visit us, click on our website at www.joyshouse.org to learn more about us, or turn to Caregiver Crossing every Saturday beginning at 7am on 93.1 WIBC radio.
Warmly,
Tina
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