Adult Day Programs in Frontenac County

Jeff Green | Feb 03, 2011

The Adult Day programs that are offered in Sydenham and Harrowsmith by Southern Frontenac Community Services (SFCS), and in Parham and Sharbot Lake by Northern Frontenac Community Services (NFCS), all have spaces available right now and are looking for new participants.

“Adult Day Programs were created to support not only the care recipient but the caregiver as well,” said David Townsend of Southern Frontenac Community Services.  “While clients affected with any number of diseases related to aging will benefit from the program, the caregiver can find time to recharge their batteries, which at the end of the day, allows them to become better care providers.

While in the SFCS programs, clients can take part in exercise programs, music appreciation, crafts, games, brain stimulation, socialization, quiet moments and good food. 

“We strive to fulfill our clients’ physical, emotional, social, cognitive and spiritual needs in whichever fashion they derive the most benefit,” said Townsend. “As an added bonus, caregivers find themselves with an entire day to use for their own purposes. Some caregivers choose to use this day for a rest; some book regular hair appointments on this day; while others find time to socialize with friends who have gone by the wayside due to the struggles of providing care.”

There are two levels of programming offered by SFCS under the Adult Day program banner. On Tuesdays and Thursdays in Harrowsmith a program is offered for the frail elderly. Workers offer participants in this program physical support with transferring, help with toileting, feeding, medication administration and one-on-one guidance through activities. The goal of this program is to provide direct supervision and supports to those individuals who are more advanced in their aging – whether it be Alzheimers Disease or another physical ailment, such as Parkinson’s disease or stroke.

The Harrowsmith program, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, is for more self-sufficient and active seniors.

Northern Frontenac Community Services also offers two levels of Adult Day programs. The program in Parham is called the Day Away Program and is for more active seniors who participate in a number of craft and social activities. The Adult Day Program, which takes place at the Seniors’ Centre in Sharbot Lake, is designed for the frail elderly, and offers personal care including bathing as part of its program. NFCS also offers an in-home respite program for individuals who prefer socialization in the home.

Funding for both the NFCS and SFCS programs comes from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care through the Local Health Integration Network. Anyone interested in the programs should contact SFCS in Sydenham at 1-613-376-6477 or NFCS in Sharbot Lake at 613-279-3151.  There is a nominal cost to the programs.