Parma Hospital's ElderCenter Provides Uplifting, Caring Environment For Adults Of All Ages

For every person that enters an adult day center, two people get their lives back – the adult day participant and their family caregiver. Visiting an adult day center proves that life doesn’t end with a diagnosis. – Laura Matthews, manager, Parma Hospital’s ElderCenter

Hank Wroblewski insists it’s one of the best kept secrets in the Parma area: Parma Hospital’s ElderCenter adult day center, which just celebrated 21 years of serving the public. Mr. Wroblewski, a chemistry and physics teacher at Holy Name High School, feels lucky to have found a place where his wife of 41 years can enjoy her days.

He witnesses daily what an uplifting place this full-service adult day care is, seeing the smiles of the staff who love what they do, every day. ElderCenter is a refuge for mild to moderately impaired adults and a respite for their caregivers. Participants, dropped off by family members or picked up by the Center’s van, benefit from a diverse day that includes a continental breakfast, hot lunch, snacks and a full slate of recreational activities, ranging from Bingo, dancing and reminiscence sessions to arts, crafts and intergenerational programs with local schools.

ElderCenter is an alternative to nursing homes, a place where participants ­– and caregivers like Mr. Wroblewski -  look forward to seeing friendly faces every day who have become part of their extended family. Participants range in age from 21 to 100+ with varying ability levels. A personalized plan of care for each participant includes administration of medications and activities designed to optimize their emotional, physical and mental needs. Backed by the resources of the hospital, ElderCenter ­– unlike many other adult day facilities – is supported by the expertise and insight of Medical Director Kimberly Togliatti-Trickett, MD, an internist specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Linda Baszak of Brooklyn, whose 85-year-old father is in an advanced stage of Alzheimer’s, can’t imagine what she would have done if she had not found the ElderCenter.

“This is the best thing that has ever happened to us,” said Ms. Baszak. “I don’t know how we would have ever survived without the opportunity to bring my father here every day.”

In addition to adult day care, ElderCenter offers other unique programs, including The Club, a weekly retreat with a structured social program for those experiencing mild memory loss. Members may have mild cognitive impairment or be entering early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. As long as they can still manage their own personal care needs, including medication, and participate actively in guiding the group’s daily itinerary, this is an ideal place to exercise and take part in discussions and field trips.

Pat Kostelec, sister of Club member Harvey Wincentsen, says her brother is content with the varied activities offered at the Club ­– and his many new friends.

“The Club has given me a great sense of comfort knowing my brother is with caring and competent people,” says Ms. Kostelec.

For more information on any of ElderCenter’s programs, please call Laura Matthews at 440-743-4539.

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