A DAY AWAY
WELCOME TO THE ADULT DAY PROGRAM!
"A Day Away" is a new program that has been operating since January 6th, 2023. It's a place for continuing care clients to spend time, socialize, exercise, create, and work on projects that give back to the our community. We recognize that providing a safe place where people can gather, share stories, and laughter, play games, eat together and also work on projects together is very important. When we have something to look forward to and when we feel we still have something to contribute, it improves out overall health and wellness
To those who are receiving continuing care services and want to be a part of our program may contact their coordinator
If you are not a continuing care client, please call the Continuing Care intake at
1-900-225-7225
Overview
Facility:
When designing the facility, the goal was to aim for a “home” environment. The kitchen has all necessary amenities to prepare food on a daily basis. The main area is open concept, allowing staff to easily maintain visual contact with clients, and to provide clients as much space as possible for mobility purposes. Also, there is sufficient space for larger group activities and events to be held. The one bathroom is sufficient for all toileting matters, however, a shower and change area were not manageable within the space. There is one office and storage room for all ADP supplies. For warmer weather, a covered deck was built. We have also installed a dishwasher, a washer, and dryer for laundry, which will assist with the staff’s daily tasks.
Schedule:
Our program is currently opened from Tuesday to Friday, from 9:30am to 3:30pm every week. The program can support 8 to 10 clients per day depending on client care needs. It has been identified that certain days of the week seem to be easier to schedule based on the client base. Furthermore, the daily schedule is dependent on Continuing Care identifying and providing ADP services to clients. Our future goal is to be open with a full client compliment from Monday to Friday.
Client Activity Summary:
Each day our program strives to offer a variety of activities to support client’s mental and physical health, cognition, memory, and interests. Various activities can focus on fine motor control (with games such as Jenga, Chess, and Crokinole), to larger activities like bowling and tennis that support gross motor skills.
​​Range of motion and cardio exercise is part of our weekly schedule, and each day, time is set aside for clients to engage in activities and games that stimulate the brain and help sustain memory.
Community Events & integration:
Our goal at ADP has always been to foster inclusion, not just within our walls, but within our community. Our clients proudly made personalized blankets which were given to foster children and highlighted in the local newspaper. Clients also organized a tea at our local church hall to raise money for the Terry Fox Foundation. Several clients helped at the tea by welcoming guests at the door, taking donations, waiting on tables, and washing dishes. On the actual day of the Terry Fox Run, our clients cheered on the runners with signs, noisemakers, and water. This past winter, clients decorated and submitted a Christmas Tree to the Festival of Trees at Sissiboo Landing. It was a community event to raise money for the care and maintenance of the Weymouth waterfront. In the summer as our communities were affected by several fires our clients showed their appreciation to local fire departments by making care packages and thank you cards. In honor of National Indigenous Peoples Day, we quilted a wall hanging and donated it to Bear River First Nations.
Education & Inclusion
Age is only a number, and our clients know it’s never too late to learn something new. At our program our clients have had the opportunity to learn about collecting and making maple syrup. They also met a lady who showed clients how to use a spinning wheel, its process and told many stories. Another gentleman showed clients the art of basket weaving. Later, he returned to show how to make drums. We celebrated the Acadian Festival by having the musical “Ukeladies” come entertain us, and two talented cooks made us a delicious Acadian dish, “fricot” and shared their rich Acadian history. On National Acadian Day, a band played French and English songs and we were blessed to have a visit from Evangeline and Gabriel! We have practiced our painting with Turning the Tide, an organization that focuses on Employment & Economy, Environment and Health Care in Digby County, learned about the Electric City and Weymouth history and celebrated Black History month with talented drummers. Clients participated in card making and made birthday cards to give to family and friends. We were also very pleased to have a talented author, who is legally blind come read from her book that is published in braille.
Meal Provisions & Fixed Schedule:
Our program has always offered a variety of nutritious meals. From a local family farm to local vendors and merchants, clients have always ended their day with a full stomach while we support local businesses. We now offer a six-week fixed meal schedule where meals are both brought in or made in house. Clients also have the option of taking a meal home.
Transportation Partnership
We have been fortunate to partner with a nonprofit agency, Transport de Clare, to offer some of our clients transportation to and from our program. Without their support, several of our clients would not have the opportunity to attend. For clients who live closer to our program location and are in need of transportation, members of our ADP team have been able to transport them here and home again.
Program Advocacy
The Digby Clare Home Support Agency has received a significant amount of positive feedback and support both from its participants, their families, and the community. Having the opportunity to collaborate with many community groups, local artists and talents has allowed our program to promote a holistic approach to care for its participants. It has added diversity and enrichment to their cultural and social interactions, addressing various aspects of their well-being. The Adult day program has offered a supportive environment for older adults and individuals with disabilities or limitations, providing socialization, cognitive stimulation, and supervised care. This program has played a crucial role in delaying or preventing hospitalization, or facility admission as it has promoted community integration, and supported family and caregivers by offering respite care and other support services.