Adult Day Services creates sense of purpose
zby JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

A game of progressive rummy, above, was one of the afternoon activities at the center. Louis Schultz, left, watches as Carl Pritting ponders his move. Lisa Roads, program assistant, and Karen Mitchell, program director, right, join in on a game on Friday, Nov. 30. Sandra "Lou Lou" Smith, left photo, performs "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown," during Karaoke on Nov. 30 at Amherst Adult Day Services with Program Coordinator Mathew Palombo. Her guide, Ophelia, waits by her side.

They may not always want to start attending, but once they are there, the attendees at Amherst Adult Day Services don't want to leave.

Karen Mitchell, director of the program, said she has seen many people fight with their family members about joining, but it doesn't take long before they love being there.

"It adds quality to people's lives," she said.

Having recently celebrated its 21st anniversary, the program is one of only three in the area, she said. Designed for adults 18 and older with developmental or physical disabilities, as well as the elderly, AADS provides care, activities and socialization.

Housed in the Amherst Center for Senior Services, AADS currently has 55 clients, ranging from their 50s to 90s.

Clients come for a variety of reasons. Mitchell said one woman had lived on her own for years and was very independent, but as she aged she needed more assistance. At first the woman fought with her son who was urging her to attend the day program.

"Now she is happy to be here with her friends. She has so much fun," Mitchell said.

The program is designed to give caregivers a break or provide care when they are at work. In many cases, the attendees live with a child; in others, it's a spouse that needs a break.

"No one can provide care 24/7," she said. "We provide the caregiver a break in the day, or if they are working or need to run errands."

It also gives those who live alone a chance to socialize during the day. Mitchell said it gives them a sense of purpose.

The center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

"Everyone's needs are so individual, we try to work for the needs of everyone. The program is very flexible," she said.

Daily activities stimulate mind and body through exercise. The attendees also take field trips and are provided breakfast, lunch and a snack.

The age range currently is 54 to 97, but everyone is close, Mitchell said.

"We really make it like a family. Special relationships are formed," she said, adding that acceptance is unconditional, making everyone feel comfortable.

Some of the attendees were afraid to join, Mitchell said, adding that some didn't feel they fit in anywhere, but after a few days, or even just a few hours, they felt accepted.

The center was founded in 1985 in response to a need for such services. Kristen Milbrath, former Amherst director of Senior Services, and former Council Member Lynn Millane are credited with establishing the center through the Visiting Nursing Association of WNY.

An addition was created at the Clearfield Community Center in 1986 to provide space for the seniors during the day and youth programs in the afternoon.

The doors for the AADS opened on Nov. 24, 1986.

In 1988, the advisory board for the program linked AADS and Amherst Senior Transportation Services to ensure attendees would be able to travel to the program.

AADS moved to the senior center at 370 John James Audubon Parkway on Aug. 7, 2001, which allowed for expansion of hours, accommodation of more clients and a wider variety of services, including showers.

What started with just eight clients has grown leaps and bounds. In 2003, the program was serving an average of 13 adults a day and this year it increased to 23.

AADS is sponsored by the Town of Amherst Department of Senior Services and administered by the Visiting Nursing Association of Western New York, an affiliate of Kaleida Health. Erie County Department of Senior Services also provides partial funding.

Mitchell said the program is the most cost-efficient.

For information, call 689-1403. Tours are available.