The Symphony of Olmsted Falls Day Club is a program is dedicated to help caregivers
By Patricia Nugent
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, the rest of the family is left coming to terms with “the new normal.”
Caregivers find themselves increasingly burned out, not being able to do the things they used to do.
Symphony at Olmsted Falls provides an Adult Day Club to meet this need.
“As a facility designed and dedicated to serve those suffering from dementia, with licensed nurses and caregivers on duty and security measures in place, we are uniquely qualified to care for and nurture them during the day and provide respite stays,” says Executive Director Chrissy Grude.
The Day Club is arranged with caregivers in mind and the accommodating schedule runs seven days per week, half-day or full-day, or even by the hour if necessary. And they can also provide care services such as administering baths or showers.
“Most of our folks come at least two to three times a week,” says Kristen Kessler, director of sales and marketing. “They are fully integrated into all of the activities our residents enjoy, including meals and snacks, crafts, field trips, entertainment and group classes with the iN2L It’s Never 2 Late Technology interactive program. They also enjoy resting accommodations if they need a nap.”
Becky Reed, who is in memory support, says they mail the monthly calendar to families so they can pick and choose days.
They’ve gone on boat rides in Vermilion, Indians games, taken a tour of the J.M. Smucker Company in Orville, and recently went to look for the Great Blue Herons making their migratory return to Peninsula.
“We like to be spontaneous, too,” says Becky. “And we often hop in the van and head off to the park or beach to enjoy a snack or meal.”
The Next Step: Respite Care
“People often transition from the Day Club to come spend a week or two with us for respite care, and eventually segue into full-time care,” says Chrissy. “It’s a natural progression. They feel comfortable here and we get to know them well enough to provide the best level of care.”
She says their approach is in keeping with Symphony’s In the Moment program as a team approach to care delivery that’s customized to the individual, enhancing their quality of life no matter where they are in their journey with dementia.
Tree-lined Oasis
Less than a mile from downtown Olmsted Falls, Symphony is tucked back into a quiet wooded area on Elm Street.
A spacious wraparound porch, complete with rocking chairs, adds to the homey feeling.
Residents live in 44 spacious studios to enjoy time by themselves, or social time. This time of year, with the return of warmer weather, people like to head outdoors to the courtyard, planting seeds for the garden club, and filling birdfeeders for the returning clientele.
Meet Jim & Jenny, Beth & Rosemary
As an avid golfer, Jim D. of Olmsted Township missed getting out on the links when he needed to care for his wife Jenny after she was diagnosed with dementia about six years ago.
“My oldest daughter saw an ad in the paper for Symphony’s Day Club and we checked it out,” he says. “We were impressed with the facility and the staff, who seemed caring and friendly. So I started taking Jenny there and then I went off to golf on Mondays and Thursdays, which was a nice break.”
“Whenever I drop her off, it’s nice that I know how well cared for she’ll be,” he says.
“She’s usually laughing and having a ball with the other ladies when I pick her up.”
Beth M. says her mother, Rosemary K., has always been a social person, and the Day Club gives her a chance to mingle with people.
“She loves to participate in activities such as craft-making and enjoys the musical entertainment they bring in,” says Beth. “Eventually, we plan to move Mom in, and it’s nice to know we found a place she already feels comfortable in. Even the food they serve is perfect for people suffering from dementia. The menu includes classic fare she enjoyed growing up, like egg salad sandwiches.”
Symphony at Olmsted Falls is located at 25880 Elm Street in Olmsted Falls. For more information, call 440-230-3591 or visit SymphonyatOlmstedFalls.com. Their Facebook page offers helpful insights for navigating dementia.