Adult Day Healthcare
Program Embodies the Principles of Patient-Centered Care
The VA is committed to providing a continuum of extended care services for Veterans at risk of institutionalization. The VISN 22 Adult Day Health Care Program, at Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center is a program under Geriatrics and Extended Care. The VA ADHC (CARE Program) is a therapeutically oriented outpatient day program that provides health maintenance, rehabilitative services, socialization, case management and caregiver support, in a congregate setting to Veterans who are functionally impaired and are often the frail elderly.
ADHC includes key program elements to address health needs, physical and cognitive functioning while providing education and social and emotional support for our Veterans and their caregivers.
The interdisciplinary team is dedicated to providing high quality, easy accessible care in a safe, stimulating, nurturing and uplifting environment.
The staff is committed to promoting meaningful activities to enhance their well being while providing socialization, cognitive stimulation and physical exercise in an upbeat, cheerful, professional and caring environment.
One veteran reflects what the program means to him." I found a brand new family here. I enjoy it very much. I get good exercise, good food, (most of the time) and the staff is number one. They are very helpful, alert and jump to a person's needs. Staff spots something wrong and fixes it.” This veteran served in WWII and resides alone in the community. Another veteran describes the program as "fantastic.” “I look forward to coming here, I get up earlier, I am no longer isolated and I feel secure and encouraged.”
The program also serves as a support to caregivers by providing them with day respite, on-going support, individual counseling and education as needed. They are also invited to several events during the year, honoring them in their often challenging roles. The staff monitors caregivers stress and burnout and identifies ways to support and assist them.
Another elderly spouse who is caregiver to her WW II Veteran, described the program as being "wonderful, giving the caregiver some extra time to do things for themselves or chores. This is a tremendous service to a caregiver who is providing 24/7 care; it's so therapeutic so wonderful, without you guys doing what you do so wonderfully, I don't know what I would do.” She described her husband's participation as a duel benefit for them, stating “if he did not receive the therapy for his legs he wouldn’t be able to move and assist me, and I would not be able to keep him home. Everyone on the staff is so supportive and it is not like a job for them.”
