ATHABASCA - A day program at the Athabasca Healthcare Centre is providing care that users have said benefits the clients, as well as their caregivers.
The Adult Day Program (ADP) is a service designed to provide care and support to adults who may need supervision or assistance during the day, typically due to physical or cognitive impairments. Susanna Fertig, an AHS therapy assistant with the program, said these programs are particularly beneficial for older adults, individuals with disabilities, or those with chronic health conditions.
Liz Roach, a local resident in Athabasca, said her husband Dennis was one of the program’s first clients in 2019 when it was launched in the community.
“The program is great,” said Roach. “Sometimes they play shuffleboard, do crafts, have coffee and visit. He is among friends there.
“And for myself, I can drop him off and I know he is in a safe place and in a safe environment there. We’ve both benefited from it,” added Roach.
With a focus on enhancing overall well-being, the program offers a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, music therapy, physical exercises, trivia games, relaxing spa days and more. Fertig said the program is also designed to cater to the unique needs of each client.
“Maybe they’re scared, going through hard times, or trying to understand a new diagnosis,” she said. “Whatever it is, I want them to feel like they have a community here. If they decide to do an activity, then that’s great. But if not, then that’s ok too.”
Fertig said her goal is to make the program a comforting space for the participants to feel at home in.
“The benefits extend beyond the activities,” she said. “The environment and engagement with others can help improve mental and physical health. Participants often experience a sense of purpose, which contributes to a higher quality of life.”
Broader Benefits
Fertig said the positive impact on caregivers is equally significant. Caring for a loved one with health needs can be emotionally and physically demanding, often leading to burnout. Fertig added that ADP also serves as a respite service, offering caregivers much-needed breaks to attend to personal commitments, run errands, or simply rest and recharge.
This temporary relief plays a crucial role in preventing caregiver fatigue and promoting their own mental and emotional well-being.
Roach said as a caregiver herself, she has benefited from the program and would recommend it to others.
“It gives caregivers the opportunity to go shopping, have lunch, or go swimming...or do whatever else they want to do with their time,” said Roach. “Having that break makes a difference in how you feel about yourself, your mental state, and your physical wellbeing. It does wonders for a person. I can’t express how much weight is lifted off a person’s shoulders when they have that relief.”
The program runs Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 to 4. Food and snacks are provided. With support from a Health Care Aide, the program can also offer hygiene support, such as bathing.
For more information about the program, residents are encouraged to speak with their Home Care Case Manager or call the Continuing Care Access Line 1-855-371-4122.
For more information about Adult Day Programs, visit the AHS website.
