From left: Kaye Clemmons; Lauren Greenwade, program director of the Round Rock Adult Day Health Center; and Woodie Clemmons are all involved with AGE of Central Texas’ ADHC.[/caption]Woodie Clemmons' family said he has a new purpose in life since they found the Adult Day Health Center of AGE of Central Texas.
"It has been a lifesaver for both of us," said his wife, Kaye. "Before we started going there he stayed in bed most of the time. Now he has a purpose."
AGE of Central Texas is a nonprofit organization based in Austin that has made "tackling the challenges of aging with expert solutions" its mission. With five specialized programs the organization aims to help people successfully handle the challenges of aging. One of the programs is the Adult Day Health Center, which is offered in Austin and Round Rock, and residents in Cedar Park and Leander are able to use the centers' services.
Lauren Greenwade, program director of the Round Rock ADHC, said the program specializes in caring for people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The members can spend weekdays at the center, participate in activities and socialize with each other.
About 28 people come to the ADHC in Round Rock each day, Greenwade said. The program offers activities such as bingo, dancing, arts and games.
"We try to make it a cozy place," Greenwade said. "They just need to have fun and know they are being loved."
Kaye said the staff's care and attention paid toward her husband are what she appreciates about the program.
"They are always in a good mood. They are always smiling," she said. "They are awesome. ...It has really changed the quality of his life."
Woodie has dementia and has been taking part in the ADHC for three months, Kaye said. She said he goes there three days a week, and it gives her some free time.
"I'm able to do things that I otherwise wouldn't be able to do," she said. "It gives me a break. I hate to leave him alone."
Greenwade said the ADHC exists because people are afraid to leave their loved ones alone. The ADHC gives caregivers the security to know their grandparents, parents, siblings and spouses are taken care of while they need to run errands, work or have some time to themselves.
AGE of Central Texas also offers programs for those caring for a family member. The organization offers classes and seminars as well as personal support.
Greenwade said the organization works to form a partnership with the caregivers. She said AGE staffers share information with the caregivers and vice versa.
"And we are happy when we hear positive things like, 'My dad is so excited! You are giving our family such a great relief,' or, 'My mom slept through the night. Thank you so much!'" she said.
Programs
Adult Day Health Center
- Day health care for people with memory loss and special needs
- Professional staff includes a nurse and certified nursing aide
- Features daily activities such as games, arts and crafts, music and dancing
- Offered Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-5.30 p.m.
Caregiver education and resources
Counseling, support groups and events for caregivers
- Resource library with information for caregivers
Early memory-loss support
Early intervention program for people with memory loss, dementia or Alzheimer's disease
- Offers strategies, activities and support for people experiencing memory impairment and for their caregivers
- Offered at three locations once a week
Health equipment lending
AGE provides wheelchairs, walkers, shower benches and other assistive devices.
Volunteers and donations
Volunteers of all ages can visit AGE of Central Texas in groups or as individuals. Volunteers need to fill out an application, and AGE of Central Texas performs a background check.
Donations of health care equipment and various materials for recreational activities, such as arts and craft supplies, DVDs and books as well as cooking supplies are accepted. More information at www.ageofcentraltx.org
