Public comment sought on adult day care

Carson City Senior Citizens Center officials want to know if there is a need in the community for adult day care.

With the center's recent expansion, there is an opportunity to add a new service to its list of offerings.

"There are so many good sons and daughters who are killing themselves taking care of their families," said Janice McIntosh, executive director of the center. "They care about their parents or loved ones tremendously. This is a wonderful solution. Not only will the person be taken care of, but stimulated during the day. They can also eat here and we will provide a variety of classes.

McIntosh is requesting comments from residents as far as need for the service. They can call the center at 883-0703 and leave their name and number. Someone will then call them back and ask specific questions.

"All the parameters have not been decided. We want to know who out there can benefit from having an elder in part-time or all-day daycare," she said.

With the size of the room, McIntosh said they can accommodate 15 clients, who must be age 60 or older to be eligible. She is working with Diane Ross from The Continuum in Reno, who may manage the service.

McIntosh said the day care would be a solution to families who are taking care of elders themselves.

McIntosh said there will probably be a fee, but they are not far enough into the process to estimate it. Some clients may be eligible for Medicaid. She also has the support of the Alzheimer's Association of Northern Nevada.

"We need to know the interest and need first, then we'll work on the rest. There are not enough services out there and families are struggling to make their situations work. It's very difficult if one or both family members work. We want them to call us even if they're just thinking about it. We need 15 people.

"Adult day care is wonderful," she said. "It makes a person's mind work, and they can hang onto memories they have for a longer period of time."

Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.