Serving Our Seniors

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A Meals on Wheels volunteer makes sure to tuck in an extra carton of milk. If a client has a pet, a can of cat or dog food is included.

Take May Brandt, whose husband, Fred, a retired college professor of philosophy and business management, is considered a “regular” at the association’s Adult Day Care Center on 14th Street in Vero Beach. It, like the center on Davis Street in Sebastian, is a veritable hub of happiness where music, dancing, art, exercising, trivia, puzzles, card and table games provide mental and physical stimulation as well as social interaction. With a 5 to 1 client-to-staff member ratio, the care and attention is extraordinary.

“I call it a miracle place because at this point Fred doesn’t realize he has dementia, and he’s very resistant to doing some things,” says May. “Every Sunday evening Fred asks if I’ll be able to take him to the center the next morning so he can help Claire [Foceri, Licensed Practical Nurse]. He sets out his clothes and gets up early so he can be ready on time. When we get there, he heads straight for Claire’s office. She makes him feel needed. Everyone who works at the center is quite exceptional.”

Phyllis Gemboski, another “regular,” agrees. “Coming here has changed my life,” says the former gift shop owner and cancer survivor, who is the first to arrive when the center doors open at 7:30 a.m. “My daughter drops me off on her way to work, and I spend the day here. There’s so much to do. I especially like to play bingo, bridge and poker, which I didn’t know anything about until my late husband taught me. I got so good I ended up beating him. I’m pretty competitive.” The grin on Phyllis’ face says it all.

Senior Resource Association Adult Day Care centers welcome individuals 18 years of age and older who require supervised care in a safe setting. Licensed by the state’s Agency of Health Care Administration, the two centers, completely refurbished thanks to grants from Indian River Impact 100 and additional philanthropic dollars, are open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A monthly calendar of events is jam packed with activities that entertain, engage and educate. There’s News, Chit Chats, Light and Lively Exercise; Match Games, Patio Walks, and Art Projects, thanks to a partnership with the Vero Beach Museum of Art.

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