By Janice Ancrum, NCCOA President & CEO
According to U.S. Census data, Nassau County’s population topped 57,000 people in 2000, growing to more than 73,000 in 2010. At the start of the new millennium, close to 8% of the population were 65 years of age or older. Many lived with diminished cognitive and/or physical capabilities, unable to live life to the fullest.
Once again, answering the call of Nassau County seniors, the Council on Aging developed and introduced – originally in the 2000s – a program for those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Currently, more than 6 million Americans are living with dementia. Alzheimer’s, specifically, kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. Over 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people afflicted with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
When first introduced, Adult Day HealthCare focused on therapeutic and social activities designed to counteract the “use it or lose it” outcomes of aging and disease. According to original program literature, ADHC provided “assistance with activities of daily living (eating, dressing, etc.) in a caring and stimulating environment encouraging dignity and self-care.” Caregivers benefited through additional respite time to help care for themselves. This program has transitioned to The Club, offering an even more holistic approach to maximize quality of life for seniors age 60+ needing assistance due to physical or cognitive challenges.
Today’s Club provides an even more comprehensive approach, helping members be their best in a nurturing atmosphere. The program also provides physical, emotional and cognitive wellness through quality therapeutic activities, entertainment and outings, balanced nutrition, convenient transportation, ancillary services and professional staffing. Activity areas include these concentrations: therapeutic, educational, social, cultural and recreational. A warm, dietician-approved lunch, morning and afternoon refreshments are served in a communal area for maximum socialization. NassauTRANSIT provides curb-to-curb transportation to and from The Club. On-site ancillary services include podiatry, hand and foot care, hair care, counseling and more. For every five Club members, one professional staff member is on site, along with supervision by a registered nurse. Staff are certified in CPR, first aid and AED, and participate in ongoing training in geriatric care and dementia-related disorders.
Regardless of functional or cognitive impairments, members enjoy activities that promote independence while restoring, maintaining and stimulating their abilities and capacities. Rounding out the program is a growing slate of services, support groups, and education and training opportunities. These include: Dealing With Dementia Workshop, Stress-Busting for Caregivers Forum, Caregiver Support Group, Caregiver Classes, Memory Café and Grief Support Group for when the caregiver journey ends.
Living your life to the fullest is possible at any age. At The Club, our focus is on each individual… helping them stay social and develop friendships, remain active with physical and brain health, dabble in music and art, and have fun. For more information on our unique program, contact Emily Kunzelmann, Training and Caregiver Services Director, at ekunzelmann@nassaucountycoa.org.
In the new year, we are celebrating our 50th Anniversary at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Saturday, January 20, 2024, from 6-10 pm. Plan to join us as we celebrate our first 50 years and look forward to our next 50. Tickets are now on sale – It’s sure to be a very special night to remember. Contact Liz Dunn, Marketing Director, at ldunn@nassaucountycoa.org for more info.