T E S T I M O N I A L S
This was important to me, but equally if not more important was the environment. I worked over 90 minutes away and I had to be sure that my wife was happy, safe, and cared for. She was. It was not always easy, bing so far away and we had to lean on my backup sometimes, but the important thing was I trusted the staff at the Adult Day Care Center. That was what was most important to me.
I have retired now to another state and am still looking for another environment that I can trust my wife to if necessary. It will be a tall order as I was lucky enough to be able to share my wife with the staff at the Adult Day Care Center.
Don’t hesitate to entrust your loved one to the Adult Care Center, I would again with no hesitation.
-George Bennett
Gene and I would like to thank the Center from the bottom of our hearts for all they’ve done for D. I can’t recommend you enough for anybody that needs it.” – Christina Kidd
“I want to thank you and your outstanding staff for the wonderful care and concern that has been shown to ***. In all her troubles and pains she always willingly attended the center. She felt accepted and developed many friendships. Her enthusiasm for music was constantly encouraged. It was always a blessing to see the smile on her face when she entered and again when I arrived to pick her up.”
Participant Caregiver
“Angels on earth. This group show more respect and compassion to clients and family than any doctor, friend or even some family can. My husband has loved it since day one. When he used to wander we always found him heading to the center, he loves them that much. They saved my sanity and give our whole family such a sense of peace knowing he is cared for better than anywhere in the world. They go above and beyond for daily activities and events.
The staff communicate to families well, easy to work with and seriously, there isn’t a word that can express how fabulous they are.”
Susan Drew, Former Participant Caregiver
“Often in life’s journey, you will meet the most kind, loving and wonderful people. Seldom do you find them in a “package” deal like the staff and clients at #ACCNSV. I’m so happy I discovered them in 2018 for my mother, Polly. Sadly mom’s health has declined and she now resides in a nursing facility and will not be returning to the ACC. Jane, Dawn, Marilyn, Dana, Louise, Dorene, Whitney, Katie, and staff — thank you so very much for keeping mom happy, safe and active during her days at the ACC. She truly enjoyed spending time with you and I, too, will miss you. You are the best and I will use every opportunity to share my utmost respect for many years to come. Much love to all!! ❤❤
Paula Reynolds, Former Participant Caregiver
“My mom has been attending for nearly two years now- 2 days a week. The staff is always very welcoming and caring. I know I am leaving her in good hands. The programming is very interactive and stimulating. It has met a need for both mom and I. I would highly recommend it!”
Lisa Carey, Former Participant Caregiver
“Anna B enjoys her days spent at the Adult Care Center. She loves the singing, games and the workers. They are so kind and loving to everyone. They sit and talk to everyone. Before going there Anna spent all her days home alone watching T.V. She is very social and loves her days at the Center.”
Anna Bellem, Former Participant
“Thank you for making ACC such a hard place to leave! My seven months here were rich in learning, but also in joy. Your dedication to the participants shines in everything you do. You are all an inspiration to me.”
Nancy M., Music Therapy Intern Student
Comments from the Community
“I referred a client to them. The husband kept saying she would not want to go, but he finally enrolled her. She loves it, and the husband is a different person. They really do a good job.”
“I think what makes the Center so special is their activity program. When I visited, their clients were in small groups and they were getting so much attention. I think we need to remember the importance of socialization for this population. And their art program is incredible.”
“We shared a client who was in and out of Hospice. And I really believe the reason he did well enough to be discharged from Hospice is the care he received at the Adult Care Center.”
“I’ve never been in the Center, but I drive by it a lot on my way to town. I always love seeing the staff helping their clients get in and out of the car. I see them giving clients hugs and waving to them, and it is just a neat thing.”
“I visited the Center and loved the interaction of the Staff. They were so good to everybody, and there was such calm to the place.”
“The artwork on the wall is amazing. The clients seem so happy. I was so impressed with the staff and their care.”
“I can’t believe you do all that you do and only charge what you charge.”
It has been about 8 years now, but I will never forget the sinking feeling in my stomach when I first realized that my mom was developing serious memory issues. I wanted to pass it off as normal aging, but her older sister had passed away several years before that, of Alzheimer’s Disease, so it was hard to stay in denial. I had no idea what to do.
Until 2021, my mom lived alone, close to my sister and her family. We did the best we could to support her, but when I visited her one weekend and found her fridge stuffed to the back corners with rotting food, half-opened hamburger meat, multiple cartons of old eggs, and moldy leftovers, I was truly scared. We got by for a while with an in-home caretaker, who visited her regularly, provided companionship, helped her with shopping, and cooked some of her meals. But the fact was that she still lived alone, with only the TV and her cat for company much of the time.
In June 2021 she underwent a hysterectomy, which was completely traumatic for a woman with dementia. After that surgery I decided for safety reasons to move her to Winchester, to live with my husband and myself. I had no idea at all how I was going to handle the situation. My husband and I both work from home, and the first month was very difficult. I finally Googled ‘adult daycare’ and couldn’t believe my good luck when the results showed me that the Adult Care Center of Northern Shenandoah Valley was only minutes from my house. She started going there one or two days a week in August of 2021, and very quickly increased to 5 days a week. I’m pretty sure this wonderful place is the reason I still have a job!
My mom has gone to the Center for two years now. The second I drop her off, my mind is at ease, because I know she is among friends. Whether it’s Bingo or Movie Day or music therapy or exercise, or even just sitting and talking, I know that she is entertained and stimulated as well as cared for. The Center keeps in close contact with me about changes to her behaviors and capabilities. They have worked with me financially and have adapted to my mom’s changing needs as her disease progresses. She is not always easy to deal with, but I know that these dedicated, caring people have her best interest at heart and work hard to keep her engaged. She is always excited to see her friends, and I am convinced that she is still doing as well as she is thanks to them. And let’s be honest, so am I. Living with a parent with dementia is challenging in so many ways, and I have no idea what I’d be doing if I didn’t have the Adult Care Center in my corner.
– Laura Frederick
I moved back to this area, my home, never expecting to become Mom’s caregiver. I didn’t expect her to end up living behind me, walking back and forth between our houses and making sure she was ok and helping her take care of her house. During visits to her house, she would ask what was going to happen to her, as she felt her mind begin to betray her, and she felt less certain of how she fit into her environment. She was scared to death of being put in a nursing home with no one visiting her. We discussed in-home care options, living with me or another family member, or assisted living. She gave up her keys, sold her car, and I found little ways to keep her as independent as possible in her home. Then one day I got the call from work that she had fallen in her home and could not open the door. The police had needed to make a forced entry. The safeguards had all failed. She was not hurt, but after a visit to the emergency room and an overnight hospital stay it was clear she should no longer live alone.
I told work I was not sure when I would be back as I worked to get Mom healthy, mobile, and tried to figure out the next steps. This was moving much quicker than I had anticipated and a fully formed plan was not in place. To confound the issue, Covid was a factor impacting the majority of resources needed. I made phone calls and found a resource I didn’t even know existed, the Adult Care Center. I knew this was a much better option for Mom than staying at home with in-home care as she enjoyed social activities. She would also benefit from the activities as the Center is intended to care for adults with dementia. But would Mom be comfortable there and be willing to go every day?
We did a visit, and Mom was agreeable to trying this option. I stayed out of work until I knew this was the right choice. This is definitely the right choice. She is so well cared for, and she really enjoys the companionship, the games, and the absolute love from the staff. I am thrilled to have this option for her. She has a blast, she knows they truly care about her, and I am able to work confident she is not only safe but active and happy. There are days I pick her up after work and she wants to stay to finish a game or activity. Isn’t that fantastic?
I have learned through this just how broken the healthcare system is for our elderly citizens. Resources like the ACC are so important for families doing their best to care for elder members. We appreciate the support that makes this safe haven for our loved ones possible. Being a caregiver is a blessing, but difficult to navigate on the best of days.
– Ellen Milligan
Lights on, off, on, off, flicker. This is one metaphor for the affect dementia has on my sister’s brain. She cannot control the switches. It is all random. However, the Adult Care Center (ACC) provides a unique “lights on” scenario for memory-challenged persons. Caring staff know how to operate the switches as they work with and encourage their clients.
Bright spots of the day include games, interactive safe play, exercises, and music. Memory books, fidget items, and familiar objects turn on the lights and elicit smiles. Soft illumination may include rest periods or reflective music. Staff and therapists engage clients on a gentle, consistent level. The lights seldom flicker off.
The first time I crossed the ACC threshold to leave my beloved sister, Glenda, in their care, I cried all the way to work. Did I do the right thing? Would Glenda, who is suffering from mid-stage dementia, be safe? Happy? Now when I leave her to the warm, professional care of the angels at ACC who call out “Good morning, Sunshine”, the relief is palpable. My blood pressure drops, breathing becomes easier, my steps are brisker. For a few hours, I can do chores, work, meet a friend for coffee, make that medical appointment, get the car inspected, do the things required to live life.
Have YOU ever been a caregiver? Of a child, patient, or parent? Have you been responsible 24/7 for a person who is unable to choose a shirt? One who has the mental capacity of a toddler? The parent of a three-year-old knows things will improve. Toddlers will outgrow self-endangerment; judgment will mature as more lights activate in their brains. Caregivers of dementia sufferers time evaporates. Sleep remains elusive. Steadily, but surely, we lose our person.
Imagine for a moment you have tunnel vision; ordinary sounds turn into a cacophony. You are blind folded, disoriented, and confused. Your life is out of control and little is familiar. That is the experience of a person with dementia. The Adult Care Center offers dementia patients a sanctuary, a happy place. At ACC each client becomes part of a community where everyone understands their needs, patience and gentleness come naturally to ACC caregivers. They listen to repeated stories and questions, and know how to be kind, even when a client may become obstinate. At ACC, everyone is important and valued. For a while, in this happy place, everyone can feel normal once again.
There is a sweet spirit in this place, and while she is there, my Beloved Sister thinks she is a regular person visiting with friends. I know I am a better caregiver because of it.
– Joan Smith
I can remember as a child, my father was my hero. When I would see him, I knew that if I could please him that I would please God because that was just the kind of man he was. Compassionate, kind, and generous to a fault.
I looked for a safe place to help us. Someone suggested that I check with the Adult Care Center. They were exactly what we needed.
The staff at the Adult Care Center is exceptional. It takes a very special person to provide the level of care that they provide. I know personally that they help my dad to live his life with a sense of pride, integrity, and dignity that the diagnosis of dementia tried to take away from him. When he has an accident, they don’t humiliate or embarrass him; they simply help him clean up and explain that it can happen to anyone. When he asks the same question or has a strong opinion about how something should go, they are so patient and kind to him. Their training and level of experience is priceless.
Without the support of the staff at the Adult Care Center, my family would be devastated. My heart is so full of gratitude and I know that my father, even with the disease process, is so grateful for the generosity of the staff that have helped us survive this time in our lives.
– Patty Trucks
My Dad had been living with us since my Mom died. He was in the early stages of dementia. I wanted him to have more out of life than sitting in the recliner with his dog in his lap and sleeping all day. His social interactions were pretty much limited to my husband and me. The local senior center didn’t seem to be quite the right fit, but I was directed to Jane Bauknecht at the ACC. After a visit and discussion, I could see it was the right
fit to give my Dad a place he could look forward to going 2 days a week. It was also a place I could feel comfortable sending him so I could do errands and take care of other business.He had a great time! There were people he enjoyed laughing and talking with. He loved any activity related to food. The staff managed to make him exercise without his exactly being aware of it. He enjoyed the music. Activities stimulated him–I believe holding off the effects of dementia. In short, the ACC gave meaning and pleasure to the last years of his life, in a way I could not alone.
Because the ACC did so much for my family, my husband and I have continued to support it with our time and money in the 9 years since my Dad died. I have been a Board member, and my husband and I are now very pleased to be Honorary Board Members. I continue to volunteer at the Center. On Wednesday afternoons, a group of ladies and I quilt. They enjoy the small group activity, using a skill they don’t have much opportunity to use. We’ve even had a few who never sewed learn to do the hand stitching. There is usually a music activity going on in the adjoining room. We sing along. I hear a lot of laughter! – Diane Shipe
