We’re thrilled to announce the recipient of Health & Happiness’s 2012 donation, as part of year one of our five-year commitment to supporting a different area of community life each year, beginning with Elder Care this year.
Our recipient private, non-profit organization is in its twenty-fifth year of providing quality, caring assistance to a growing need of local elders and their families, regardless of their ability to pay.
Specially trained staff at Marquette Adult Day Services, located in Marquette’s First Presbyterian Church at the corner of Front and Bluff Streets, provide those with memory impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease or other related dementias, as well as elders who would otherwise be isolated and lonely, with meaningful social and recreational activities in a safe and supportive environment.
Puzzles, music, singing, arts and crafts, exercise, bingo, Game Day, birthday and holiday parties, reminiscence group, creative storytelling, sensory stimulation, bingo, even table volley ball, are just some of the creative, helpful activities offered.
Local resident Jane Van Evera appreciates that “The staff are intelligent, optimistic, and caring people who bring education, common sense and community mindedness to our area.”
For those wishing to participate, an intake and assessment interview with the caregiver and/or participant is scheduled. Staff members then work with the family to determine a successful experience for their loved one, and caregivers can attend with their loved one until they feel comfortable leaving him or her in MADS expert hands. Fees are on a sliding scale basis, and no one is ever turned away for inability to pay.
Free transportation is also available from the Marq-Tran bus service, with Marquette Adult Day Services staff assisting with pick-up and drop-off, and riding on the bus with participants.
Approximately half of Marquette Adult Day Services funds come from UPCAP/the Area Agency on Aging, one-fourth from caregiver fees, and the remainder from small local grants, (11%), individual donations, (6%), and the Marquette County senior millage, (5%). Additional forms of assistance are also provided by the First Presbyterian Church, Pathways, Marquette General Hospital’s Neuroscience Center, Marquette County Aging Services, and the Great Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Marquette Adult Day Services programs run Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 am to 4 pm, and can include up to thirteen participants a day; however the agency is currently seeking a larger space to rent or possibly own that would allow it to be open five days a week and serve more of this growing portion of our population.
If you have a special talent to share with participating seniors, you would be welcome to do so. For example, various musicians have come in, as well as a tai chi expert and a massage therapist providing foot massages monthly. among others. Local jewelry-maker Beth Millner has recently designed a pendant she is selling with 50% of the proceeds going to support Marquette Adult Day Services. Direct financial donations are also greatly appreciated to assist with rising costs and needs.
And a big congratulations and thank you to Marquette Adult Day Services for all it does!
For more information on Marquette Adult Day Services, or to schedule a visit, contact (906) 226-2142, or go to their website, http://www.marquetteadultdayservices.com.
This article was reprinted with permission from the Winter 2012 – 2013 issue of Health & Happiness U.P. Magazine, copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
Health & Happiness U.P. Magazine 