"The Living Room," an adult day services program offered by Senior Friendship Centers in Fort Myers, offers an alternative for aging adults, many whom have been diagnosed with cognitive memory impairments. A printed calendar provides an outline of all of the activities planned for the month and, includes monthly birthday parties. Statistics show that stimulating activities help with independence and, can slow down the progression of Alzheimer's. Programs, like adult day services, also provide an alternative for families to keep their loved one in the home longer; lessening the immediate need for a nursing home while providing respite for the caregiver.
Community volunteers are a critical part of the center's activity program. Employees from area Target stores came to the center last year to visit with clients. They celebrated a client's 95th birthday, and the client commented that it was one of her best birthday memories. Inter-generational activities are also provided. The Fort Myers Christian School has been visiting the center for more than 10 years. The school's second graders visit the center on a quarterly basis. Students bring games, cards and sing to the clients. The clients always enjoy watching and interacting with the younger generation as it brings back memories of their own children and/ or grandchildren. It also is a change of pace from the regularly scheduled programs.
Edison College's nursing program has volunteered and created activities specifically designed for the Alzheimer's population as part of its curriculum. Students from Heritage Institute and Florida Gulf Univer-sity also visit the center as part of their medical or gerontology training. Recently, an intern from Heritage Institute garnered employment at the Senior Friendship Center's adult day service program immediately following her internship.
Other volunteers include church parishes and other non-profit agencies. A member of the Unity Church visits the center each week; and as a result of her visits, the congregation chose Senior Friendship Center's adult day service program as a beneficiary from its weekly tithing/collection proceeds. During the holiday season, NBC/Kiwanis Giving Tree and Home In-stead's non-profit organization, Grace Works, collected gifts that were given to clients.
A long-time volunteer for the organization, Judy Ham, and her son, dress as Santa and Mrs. Claus and bring gifts the client's holiday party. Ham also collects prizes for bingo through the business in which she is employed.
Keeping our seniors healthy and happy is a primary goal at Senior Friendship Centers. A weekly exercise program provided by two volunteers from two health care companies is available weekly by brother and sister team, Francine and Robert DiGiorgio. Francine works at Caring Transitions, a company who helps seniors with moving transitions including downsizing and estate sales. Robert is the healthcare representative from the Scooter Store. Both teach the classes to the center's seniors.
"Just because we sell power wheelchairs does not mean we want people to become inactive," said Robert. "The Scooter Store is front and center in encouraging even the disabled to exercise."
Adult day service programs also provide respite to caregivers, many whom work. For others, it is time that they can take to care for themselves; which is critical when becoming a caregiver.
Senior Friendship Centers has been providing services for more than 30 years in Lee County. One of the best parts of the center is its flexibility. The center's hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Senior Friendship Centers is funded by the Department of Elder Affairs, the Area Agency on Aging of Southwest Florida, Lee County Department of Human Services and Is a United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades Partner Agency.
For more information, call 239-275-1881.