IN Cranberry Summer 2016 | Page 55

SPONSORED CONTENT BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED CONTENT Everyone Deserves Their Own Day Out W hile caring for your loved one, you may have found your mind wandering, thinking of the things you did when you had “free time,” or what you could accomplish if only you had a few more hours in the day. Taking some time for yourself provides a very important opportunity to recharge your batteries so that you can continue to provide care, as only you can. And it may surprise you to learn that a break from the normal routine would be appreciated by your loved one as well. After all, you both deserve a day out! My Day Out, an adult day program located in the Abundant Life Center at Passavant Community of Zelienople, offers a safe, caring environment for older adults to spend the day — along with opportunities for social, recreational, fitness, and wellness programs, medication management, and delicious meals catered by the Passavant Dining Services Department. While enjoying their “day out,” participants can explore their personal interests by participating in activities on and around campus including exercise classes, cooking activities, swimming, discussion groups, painting, musical performances and off‑campus outings. The program also provides the opportunity to socialize with friends throughout each of these activities, and gives participants a sense of structure, purpose and usefulness. “For any senior, socialization is key to an ‘Abundant Life®,’” said Christine Macedonia, Associate Director of Residential Living at Passavant Community. “Caregivers often forget this piece because they are so busy taking care of other immediate physical needs of their loved ones.” “I didn’t want my mother sitting in front of the television all day,” said Mary Kay, a Zelienople resident who utilizes My Day Out while caring for her mother. “She can come here and see people her own age. Both her body and mind are getting much‑needed exercise. She really enjoys being here.” By virtue of being a part of the Passavant Campus, My Day Out offers the convenience of being able to manage some additional needs while enjoying the day. Prescribed therapies in the outpatient gym, physician appointments at the clinic, personal care, beauty or barber appointments, and social service assistance are also available for an additional fee or co‑pay. These services can reduce the number of additional appointments and trips for the caregiver. My Day Out has made it a mission to serve not only the older adults in the program, but also their families, by providing relief from constant caregiving and the opportunity to tend to their own needs. While participants enjoy their day at the center, their family members can complete items on their to‑do list, reconnect with friends, rekindle their favorite hobbies, or just enjoy a few hours to catch their breath. This well‑earned and often overdue respite helps to prevent “caregiver burnout” — a state of mental and physical exhaustion that makes it difficult to fulfill the role of continuing to care for a loved one. My Day Out, by offering this lifeline to caregivers, is a resource to help older adults realize their wish to age in place: in their own home, in the care of their family. The My Day Out program is offered at a fraction of the cost of other community‑ based care. To meet the varying needs and schedules of the individuals served, both half‑day and full‑day programs are available, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The center hours were established to better serve working caregivers. Please call Passavant Community at 724.452.5400 for more information, or to discuss scheduling a day out for your loved one. My Day Out Adult Day Services • A safe place for older adults to spend the day socializing with friends • An important opportunity for caregivers to recharge • The day out you both need To schedule a day out or for more information, call today. 724.452.5400 www.lutheranseniorlife.org Live an Abundant Life® Cranberry | Summer 2016 | icmags.com 53