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Adult Day Health program provides important service to adults

One of the best-kept secrets at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center may be its Adult Day Health program. The program began in 1998 and offers services to adults age 18 and over who require medical care and supervision during the day.

–Our services are provided to adults who require 24-hour care who otherwise may be in a nursing home,” said Dallasteen Sizemore, program coordinator. –We provide their care while their caregiver works or needs rest during the day.”

Adult Day Health has the capacity to serve 25 individuals, and currently provides services to 21 individuals. Not all participants are present at the same time. Participants may attend from one to five days a week, based on their assessment and family needs.

Respite (short term) care is also available, with an hourly rate charged for services. Caregivers may use this service if they need to go shopping, have a doctor's appointment, have an emergency or want a day for themselves.

Services are provided to individuals in Boyle, Casey, Garrard, Lincoln, Marion, Mercer and Washington counties. Participants in the program have to be referred and must have a doctor's order to attend. Participants who have Medicaid must meet at least three of nine criteria established by the state Medicaid program in order to be eligible to attend the program. Participants may also pay for services privately.

Among the services provided to the participants are medical and personal care services, with physical therapy and occupational therapy services available. Each participant receives lunch and two snacks daily. Socialization activities are also provided, including games, crafts and day trips. For example, one of the activities in recent months was teaching American Sign Language to participants.

Transportation is available, through a contracted service, as needed to get participants to and from the program.

The Adult Day Health program is directed by a registered nurse and nursing home administrator. A registered nurse or licensed practical nurse is on duty and administers medications and treatments as needed. Other staff members include a certified activities coordinator and certified nursing assistants. All have successfully completed a course in CPR.

Participants in the program are pleased with its services. One participant said he looks forward to coming to the program every day, and another said the program has helped her to be better able to talk to people.

Donna Russell, a registered nurse working at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center, has a 60-year-old family member who has been participating in the program since 1998. She said her loved one, who has a form of dementia, functions better as a result of the consistency of attending the Adult Day Health program.

–It's been an absolute lifesaver for our family,” Russell said. –We wouldn't be able to keep him at home because we both work.”

For more information about the Adult Day Health program, please call (859)239-1450.