Adult Day Programs
Maximizing Independence
SMAA’s Adult Day Programs – located at the Sam L. Cohen Center in Biddeford and in Springvale at the Anderson Learning Center – are geared toward older adults with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. We foster close personal relationships with and between members which stimulates the brain, effectively slowing down the memory loss process while combating depression and isolation.
While their loved ones enjoy this home away from home, caregivers receive several hours of much needed respite.
Person-Centered Programs
We recognize that every Adult Day Program member is a unique individual. That is why our person-centered activities are designed to honor and engage every member in ways that are physically and cognitively stimulating, and fun.
Activities offered during a typical day at the Adult Day Program might include:
- Active games, including Ladderball, Bocceball, and Baggo
- Baking
- Bird watching
- Exercise programs
- Gardening
- Music programs
- Reminisce programs
- Various art projects
- Word-based games
Don’t see your favorite activity on our list? Ask us!
Family Caregivers
In addition to respite, we provide support for care partners helping them address behavioral challenges and the social isolation and loneliness that can accompany caring for a person with dementia. Southern Maine Agency on Aging Family Caregiver specialists offer educational classes, forums, and group and individual sessions for care partners.
From a Care Partner
The spouse and care partner of a member of the Adult Day Program shares how our services help both him and his wife:
Ruthie & Frank
Bob & Judy
Southern Maine Agency on Aging programs work together to offer services and resources that can improve the overall quality of life of our clients. Read the story of Bob and Judi to see how Bob who is the care partner of Judi leveraged our Savvy Caregiver training, support groups, Respite Program, and Adult Day Program.
Staff
Our staff is a team of highly-skilled, caring, and creative people that provide safe and engaging environment for our members.
Affordability
Many members pay with private funds or long term care insurance. In some instances state funds are available. The Veterans’ Administration offers a program that pays for day center hours. Staff can assist with locating subsidies for care.
Visit us
Locations
The Sam L. Cohen Center is located at 30 Barra Road in Biddeford and our Springvale location is at the Anderson Learning Center in Nasson Commons.
Inside the Centers
The Adult Day Program rooms feature warm colors, comfortable furnishing, and decorative touches that make it feel both homey and social while allowing the staff to fully implement a person-centered program for each of our members.
Different activity spaces, such as a quiet room, a living room, and great room, help members enjoy activities and entertainment that decrease boredom, increase positive social interactions, and overall improve their health and well-being.
The Sam L. Cohen Center also features an enclosed garden patio where Adult Day Program members can enjoy the outside in a safe way without feeling restricted.
Getting Started
Enrollment at the Adult Day Program begins with a complimentary trial visit so that you and your loved one can decide if this will be a supportive environment for them.
Our Frequently Asked Questions can help with answering some of you initial questions. However, the best way to get a feeling of the Adult Day Program is to connect with us directly. Complete our online form, email Leah D’Amour, Family Caregiver Resource Specialist (adultday@smaaa.org), or call Leah at 207-396-6552.
Frequently Asked Questions
The latest research suggests people with cognitive loss who regularly engage in social interaction maintain their brain vitality. Close personal relationships stimulate the brain, thus, effectively slowing down the memory loss process and combating depression and isolation.
Many of our members are in the mild to moderate state of memory loss. Supports like SMAA’s Adult Day Programs enable caregivers to have reliable options for respite immediately. It gives the person with dementia an opportunity to develop a routine and make connections. The sooner your loved one can start, the longer they will receive the benefits of our active and enriching programming.
Members are recognized as unique individuals. Person-centered activities are suggested based on their personal interest and abilities. There are several group and individual activities for members to choose from at any given time during their day. Activities include art, entertainment, gardening, exercise, and music – just to name a few!
Focus on the positive social interaction. For our members at the Center this is “their club.” Members make new friends, engage in old hobbies, and try new ones. The day is filled with laughter, joy, and the comfort of well-trained staff and friends.
SMAA’s Adult Day Programs serve people with a wide array of abilities and diagnoses. We promote socialization and encourage people to come to combat isolation and inactivity, regardless of their diagnoses.
A trial visit is 3 hours long and gives us a chance to get to know the prospective member. This will help us better gauge if the program will be a good fit for your loved one. A trial visit also gives the prospective member a chance to experience the program on their own. For many this can relieve the anxiety some people have about attending. The trial visit is FREE!
There are some occasions when the Adult Day Program is not a good fit for an individual – if they exhibit hard-to-manage behaviors or require constant one-on-one care, for example. SMAA’s Family Caregiver Support Program will provide you with resources and education to help you in your caregiving journey. Please call 1-800-427-7411 and ask to speak with a Family Caregiver Support Specialist. Alternatively, you can email referral@smaaa.org
In order to setup your complimentary trial visit, please contact Leah D’Amour, Family Caregiver Resource Specialist, at adultday@smaaa.org or 207-396-6552.
