ADULT DAY CARE

Social Model Program 

The daily supervision of frail elderly or adults with developmental disabilities is the primary focus of social model Adult Day Care programs.  Staff, trained and sensitive to the special needs of dependent adults, provides daytime supervision.  Programming may include reality orientation, peer socialization, assistance with feeding and/or toileting, recreational activities (crafts, music, etc.), a hot nutritious meal, transportation to and from the program, and family support. 

Adult Day Programs provide services for from five to eight hours per day.  Participants may register for from one to five days per week.  Fees vary according to program.  Payment can be made privately or through programs available through the Office for Aging/NY Connects.

Medical Model Program

Medical Model Adult Day Care programs offer a broad spectrum of health and social services.  A Medical Model Day Care offers nursing care, including medication administration, occupational and physical therapy, routine dental care, podiatry, social work, nutritional counseling, and a hot noon time meal. Dutchess County programs are located in residential health care facilities (nursing homes).  Private payment, insurance and Medicaid cover the costs.

MEALS ON WHEELS/ HOME DELIVERED MEALS

The Office for the Aging (OFA) maintains an active Home Delivered Meal program and several local communities offer Meals on Wheels programs. These provide a hot luncheon meal to qualified homebound individuals on a daily (Monday thru Friday) basis.  Participants must meet eligibility requirements; rules vary according to the program.  

OFA requires that clients are age 60 or older. They must be homebound (only leave the home for doctor/hospitals/clinic visits, church services and occasional outing), incapacitated due to accident, illness, or frailty, unable to prepare meals due to lack of facilities such as refrigeration, stove, etc.; inability to shop or cook for self; inability to safely prepare meals; lack of knowledge and skill and without the support from family, friends, or neighbors.

A second meal for the day, frozen meals and emergency meals are available at times. The meals are made without added salt.  A special diet with no concentrated sweets is available.

NUTRITION SITES/FRIENDSHIP CENTERS

Friendship Centers (formerly known as Nutrition Sites) operated through the Dutchess County Office for the Aging are open five days a week and serve a noon time meal to congregate participants who have ordered a meal in advance.  It is recommended that advance reservations be made in order to guarantee that a meal will be available.

Friendship Centers are staffed with a paid Nutrition Site Manager whose responsibilities include serving meals and planning activities.  The sites also have volunteers to assist with serving meals. 

All sites are handicapped accessible.  They provide a variety in menu, prepared by Office for the Aging caterer.  Clients are encouraged to contribute towards the cost of the meals they receive.  The suggested confidential contribution is $2.50 per meal.  However, no person is denied service due to inability to contribute.  Cash, checks, and/or food stamps are acceptable as meal contributions.  Upon request, receipts for contributions are available from Site Manager.  Craft supplies are often available.  Each month the Nutrition Director/Registered Dietitian visits each site and provides a nutrition-related presentation.

SENIOR CENTERS

Senior centers offer opportunities for social contact and self-growth through supportive and rewarding group programs.  Some towns, churches and other community organizations host senior centers. Such programs may  include hot noon meals, cultural and recreational events, education, exercise, health screening, nutrition counseling, performing groups, advocacy efforts, and volunteer opportunities.  Some offer trips for shopping or sightseeing.  Holiday programs, with special meals and decorations, are a popular feature.