VCU Health System to offer new Adult Day Program

By Malorie Burkett

The Virginia Commonwealth University Health System in April will become the first health system in the region to offer an on-site, adult day care center for employee dependents.

The VCU Health System recently became licensed to open the site for dependents, whether they are elderly or physically or mentally disabled, and is the first employer of its kind that is not in the primary business of adult or elder care to offer such a service.

The new program is sponsored by Human Resources’ Workforce Development, Family Care Services, the Child Care Center, VCU’s Department of Gerontology and the VCUHS Geriatric Service Line. Though the facility is licensed for 11 adults, VCU will provide services for eight elders requiring minimal intervention.

The program will be offered in a newly renovated, handicap-accessible facility, in the same building where existing child care services are provided.

“Our staff needs to be employed by an organization that has their best interests at heart, and the dilemma of caring for adults in their homes is a significant issue for so many today,” said Patsy Moon, director of the Child Care Center, MCV Campus. “I believe that adults who need care and support fit in with the mission and vision of the hospital at large, and this is another opportunity to reach out to the community in such a wonderful way.”

The adult day program will offer individualized activities and care planning with a focus on each participant’s skills and abilities. Intervention services designed to promote the highest level of physical and mental functioning also will be provided. Counseling will be available to assist family members in working with their adult dependent to achieve maximum results.

Another goal of the adult day program is to reduce employee stress and promote family harmony.

“When people are involved, productive, valued and nurtured then there are benefits to both those enrolled in the program and those providing services to the program,” said Moon.

“Our goal is to ensure that each individual working with our adult day program loves their job, loves the richness of what the elders bring to the table as individuals and is compassionate in their care for both families and participants,” she said.

Services will be available from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The program will include breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day as well as various activities, including outdoor walks, excursions, field trips and gym time.

Other activities will involve participants with the VCU Medical Center’s Dogs on Call pet therapy and cultural programs. Selected adults will be able to participate in the intergenerational program and interact with the children.

“Many of our children live far from their grandparents and the opportunity to experience the wealth of knowledge, stories, patience and love that elders have to offer is such a wonderful advantage for children in an intergenerational program,” said Moon. “In this program we have the opportunity to combine the wonder of the child with the wisdom of the adult.”

Virginia Tech is the only other site in Virginia that operates a similar adult day program. For more information about the VCU Health System’s adult day care center, call 804-828-8027.