Back Dear Editor: I read the recent Opinion Shaper column regarding an experience with in-home health care, and I wanted to make your readers aware of another option available for families caring for an aging loved one. Adult day care is a community-based service that was not discussed in the aforementioned article, but can be a solution.  The Adult Care and Enrichment Program offered by the American Red Cross is designed to meet the need for daytime supervision, therapy, activities, meals, transportation and a variety of additional services. While adult day care ultimately allows aging adults to remain in their homes longer, these programs also benefit the entire family by considering the unique needs of both client and caregiver.  Statistics show more than 66 percent of primary caregivers also work outside the home, so programs like this allow caregivers to provide for the family without the added stress of worrying about their loved one’s well-being during the day.  Necessary respite is also provided for those who may not work full-time outside the home but need an occasional break. The American Red Cross has four Adult Care and Enrichment centers serving the north, south and mid county regions, as well as St. Louis.  Our centers operate from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. to accommodate today’s busy schedules.  The daily fees are set and include transportation to and from the center; nursing oversight and care; social activities; two hot meals and an afternoon snack; occupational and physical therapy; and social work support for clients and caregivers.  For an additional fee, ancillary services that include podiatry, audiology, a hairdresser and massage therapy are also available. Our service is very cost effective; fees for an entire 12-hour day at an Adult Care and Enrichment Center break down to less than $6 an hour or $60 a day.  This is comparable in price to one in-home companion (non-nurse) at $15 an hour for four hours.  At this cost-effective rate, a caregiver is able to continue working during the day and is confident that his or her family member receives the oversight of our professional and caring nurses and social workers.  Medicaid, the Area Agency on Aging and the Veterans Administration are among a number of funding entities that can significantly offset the cost for eligible clients. All of our staff members – from nurses to social workers to activity personnel – are trained and licensed in their field.  Additionally, staffing remains consistent day after day.  In fact, staff retention in adult day care centers is higher than in other services along the care continuum. It is our hope that your readers will consider the Adult Care and Enrichment Program provided by the American Red Cross as an option.  For more information about our centers, I encourage your readers to call me at 314.516.2777 or log on to the web site at www.redcrossstl.org. -Sylvia Nissenboim Director, Adult Care and Enrichment Centers American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter This story may be available for an Adobe Acrobat PDF download. Click on the link below to visit the site download center. If a PDF is available, the file will automatically open in your browser.

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