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Thank You to our Generous Sponsors!

 
Gala 2018 Making an Impact
Saturday, September 22, 2018

North Shore Senior Center’s House of Welcome Adult Day Services, which from its opening in 1983, has been a place for individuals with memory loss from Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias to feel valued, safe and respected. With a tsunami of Baby Boomers entering retirement, the community need for the House of Welcome Adult Day Services will only continue to grow. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the number of people in Illinois age 65 or older with Alzheimer’s disease will increase 14% by the year 2025.

The Center’s House of Welcome Adult Day Services offers a unique day program of structured, therapeutic, small-group activities in a comfortable, homelike setting. Participants with early as well as more advanced memory loss enjoy meaningful activities and friendships, while caregivers benefit from time on their own.

Creative art therapies are an integral and unique aspect of our program, enhancing the quality of life of each of our participants. Research has shown that creative therapy benefits seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias as well as their families. A study conducted by Steen H. Zarit, PhD, from Penn State University shows that participants in adult day services are less agitated after attending, have fewer behavior problems, sleep better at night, benefit from being around others, function better mentally and look forward to the experience. In addition, caregivers report a decrease in stress due to relaxation time and an opportunity to carry on with their own lives.

The House of Welcome Adult Day Services staff practice person-centered care. This approach sees our participants as individuals, rather than focusing on their illness or on the abilities they may have lost. Instead of treating them as a collection of symptoms and behaviors to be controlled, person-centered care considers the whole person, taking into account each individual's unique qualities, abilities, interests, preferences and needs. Person-centered care also means treating participants with dignity and respect.

Creative art therapies are an integral and unique aspect of our program, enhancing the quality of life of each of our participants. Research has shown that creative therapy benefits seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias as well as their families. A study conducted by Steen H. Zarit, PhD, from Penn State University shows that participants in adult day services are less agitated after attending, have fewer behavior problems, sleep better at night, benefit from being around others, function better mentally and look forward to the experience. In addition, caregivers report a decrease in stress due to relaxation time and an opportunity to carry on with their own lives.

The House of Welcome Adult Day Services staff practice person-centered care. This approach sees our participants as individuals, rather than focusing on their illness or on the abilities they may have lost. Instead of treating them as a collection of symptoms and behaviors to be controlled, person-centered care considers the whole person, taking into account each individual's unique qualities, abilities, interests, preferences and needs. Person-centered care also means treating participants with dignity and respect.