Unity Health System has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Monroe County Office for the Aging (MCOFA) to provide adult day care services to local families who need help caring for an elderly loved one. The grant comes from a federal Title III-E funding program to provide relief to caregivers. Contributions to the program are requested and all funds contributed are used to expand the program.

Nearly 25 percent of all U.S. households provide regular care for a parent, older relative or friend. The grant money provides direct assistance to caregivers at one of Unity Health System's three social adult day care programs, which offer various levels of assistance and supervision.

"Caring for a family-member who is ill or who cannot be left alone is stressful. And many caregivers are pressed for time and resources," Jane Shukitis, vice president of community based services said. "We are pleased to offer this funding for our adult day care programs in an effort to give caregivers a much-needed rest, while also providing a safe, nurturing socially stimulating environment for their loved one to receive specialized care."

Unity Health System has already distributed a portion of the grant money to help approximately 40 families in the Rochester area receive adult day care services. Jean Claeys of Greece is one of the recipients. When she needed help caring for her husband who has Alzheimer's disease, she turned to Park Place at St. Bernard's, Unity Health's adult day care for Alzheimer's and dementia, located at 2260 Lake Avenue.

"My husband began attending adult day care twice a week and he loves the program. As his Alzheimer's progresses, he needs more help, even if we have to do without a few things," Claeys said, adding that "it's hard for me to keep an eye on him 24 hours a day."

The grant money will allow Claeys' husband to attend the day care program three or four days a week.

Like many of Unity Health's adult day care programs, Park Place at St. Bernard's offers social activities with peers, personal care assistance, hot meals, and supervision in a safe environment. The program offers a routine-oriented setting that allows people with dementia to succeed, and a secure area that allows clients to enjoy a walking garden, activity room, and quiet room. Overnight care and support groups are also available.

"The program has been great for both of us. It allows me to do so many things I couldn't do before - like vacuum and go to the grocery store or the library," said Claeys. "No one can cope with Alzheimer's disease alone. Everyone needs help."

Other adult day care programs specialize in medical care for people with Multiple Sclerosis, developmental disabilities, brain and spinal cord injuries, and the frail elderly. Adult day care programs are just one of many options that Unity Health System offers to help families care for their loved ones at home. A complete network of services includes home health aides, long-term home health care, personal emergency response systems, and home maintenance services.