Seattle Sun Newspaper - Vol. 6, Issue 11, November 2002

Copyright 2002 Seattle Sun. Please feel free to use the article and photos below in your research. Be sure to quote the Seattle Sun as your source.

University Day center gives elderly

and caregivers a break

By LEAH WEATHERSBY

When Nancy Taylor's mother, Ada Trites, moved in with her seven years ago, Taylor knew she was in for a challenge.

Trites was in the early stages of Alzheimer's and Taylor, who had a full-time job, didn't feel comfortable leaving her alone.

Taylor hired caregivers to stay with Trites part of the week, but found that at home her mother had little to do other than play cards and watch television.

Fortunately, as a member of the University Congregational Church, Taylor knew of an organization called the University Adult Day Center. It is located at 4515 16th Ave. NE, in the church's basement.

The University Adult Day Center is a social center specifically geared towards elderly people suffering from memory loss, dementia, Alzheimer's or physical disabilities that may need 24-hour supervision. Each day, the 10-or-so attendees participate in activities such as simple games, exercises, and crafts. They also get to socialize with their peers.

Trites was able to spend most of the week at the University Adult Day Center, giving Taylor much-needed time to work or do other chores.

"The activities kept her going. Without the University Adult Day Center she would have gone down hill much faster," Taylor said. (Trites attended the center for three years and passed away in 2000.)

The University Adult Day Center is a private, nonprofit organization that was founded 25 years ago by nine University District churches, including University Congregational.

Today, the center is run by a board of directors, volunteers, and small staff that includes a nurse, a social worker, an activities director and the executive director, Olga Willman.

The University Adult Day Center is open every Wednesday through Friday, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Depending on their income, clients of the center pay anywhere form nothing to $45 per day for lunch, games, camaraderie and, when necessary, transportation to and from the center.

Although some the University Adult Day Center's clients can't remember their recent activities, Willman said they still have a good time.

"We had one family (ask their relative) 'what did you do all day?'" Willman said. "'I don't know,' the woman replied, 'but it must have been fun because I feel good.'"

But getting new clients can be difficult for several reasons. First, Willman said, seniors with mental impairments can be afraid of unfamiliar surroundings.

"It's worse than the first day of school for you or me," said Willman. But, she added, the caregivers themselves can be just as leery. "Some families are embarrassed that their relatives are here (they) don't want to accept that elderly relatives need help."

Caregivers themselves often need help, Willman said, especially if they are also getting older. She noted one example where the family member who was caring for a frail senior worked so hard they caught pneumonia and died.

While the center doesn't give caregivers enough days off to hold a full-time job, it can offer them a much-needed rest, ultimately enabling frail seniors stay at home longer.

Dorothy Viers, a View Ridge resident whose husband, Ted, also suffers from Alzheimer's, said the University Adult Day Center was a great help when her husband still lived at home.

"I got to do my grocery shopping. I got to go out to lunch with friends," Viers said. "It was just a relief."

The University Adult Day Center operates on a budget of about $100,000 a year. Winnie Coleman, chair of the center's board of directors, said despite free rent and other contributions from some of the founding churches, as well as funds from community organizations such as the University Lions Club, the center is scraping by.

Coleman hopes to raise from $10,000 to $20,000 at a November auction the center's largest fund-raiser of the year. So far, donations include accommodation at a cabin in England and tea for two at Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia.

Volunteers are also needed on a daily basis, especially to prepare lunch. Phyllis Jacobs, a Green Lake resident, has been volunteering at the University Adult Day Center for 10 years. At 85, she's still able to help out, and finds it a rewarding experience.

"They're like family to me I just love to be with (the clients)," Jacobs said. "They're very accepting. They just let you be you."

The University Adult Day Center auction and dinner will take place on Sunday, Nov. 10, from 5-9 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 1155 Broadway E. Professional auctioneer April Brown will lead the festivities. Tickets are $35.

The University Adult Day Center also hosts at support group for caregivers which meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month at the day center, from 1:30-3 p.m.

For details, call the University Adult Day Center at 524-2321.