In the Jersey Shore region, we have a large population of senior citizens. Many of them are independent. Though some of them may need assistance with their activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, cooking) or have trouble getting to appointments. There are spouses taking care of loved ones with memory loss; and adult children overseeing their elderly parents’ care. Where do they turn? What resources are available? Whether it be personal choice or financial feasibility, long term care (nursing homes and assisted living) isn’t necessarily an option for everyone. You can explore the option of a home health aide in your home, but will there be enough social stimulation for your loved one?

For over 30 years, adult medical day care (also referred to as Adult Day Health Services) has been growing in New Jersey. In a little tiny corner of Atlantic County is a diamond in the rough. Generations Adult Day Health Services, LLC. Upon it’s inception nine years ago, Generations became committed to providing high quality, low ratio health care to the elderly and disabled community members in Atlantic and Cape May counties. Many caregivers have referred to Generations as the “best kept secret.” It’s a small, family-owned and operated 40-slot adult medical daycare licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. At Generaitons, Program Members receive breakfast and lunch; trips and activities; nursing and social work; caregiver resources and support. The Program runs Mondays through Fridays from 9:30-2:30 with transportation included. With the support of Registered Nurses and a Certified Social Worker, Generations is able to help families keep their seniors at home with a high quality of life and dignity, while reducing caregiver stress. Generations follows the Eden Alternative philosophy, which was started by Dr. Bill Thomas, MD from Harvard. He encourages the involvement of children, gardens and animals to create a “human habitat.” At Generations, you can always find Mickey the cat in Central Park, or Emily the dog helping the “Grandfriends” with a craft in the Soda Shop. Children are always welcome to come visit and families have an open door invitation to stop in any time! Besides the traditional nursing and social work services, various activities and trips are sprinkled throughout the monthly calendar to help keep the Program Members busy. Generations can also assist in taking their seniors to area doctor visits or having lab work performed.

Give Generations a call today! Feel free to stop in on December 11, 2009 for their Holiday Tea Party. Watch for their caregiver support groups starting in January 2010. They are located at 40 East New York Avenue across from Shore Memorial Hospital in Somers Point. Call 653-9700 for more information. Ask for owner Christa Caldarale, RN, MS, CMC· and tell her the Jewish Times sent you!

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