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Northeast Kingdom Homecare to Open Senior Day Program
New Program to be a Model for Adult Daycare
NEWPORT – Northeast Kingdom Homecare, Inc., whose business is about helping seniors remain at home rather than enter a nursing home, is extending its services with a new Adult Day Program. The company has purchased a building at 100 Second Street, Newport, which will house the program and become known as “The Meeting Place”.
“We are excited to be expanding in this direction,” said Pam Newell, NEKHC President. “The Meeting Place will let us help more people in a very cost effective way.”
The NEKHC Adult Day Program will serve up to 25 adults. The company intends for the program to be home-like in its atmosphere, and activity-based in it’s day-to-day operation. Financing for the startup is being provided by the Chittenden Bank’s Socially Responsible Banking program and the Vermont Community Loan Fund.
“We want our program to build community,” says Jane Josselin, an occupational therapy assistant from Jay who will be the program director.. “The seniors who participate will be active members of the program, participating in ways that the staff and seniors become mutually dependent upon each other.”
Josselin sees a facility where seniors will participate in day-to-day activity to the level they are able. Josselin, a musician, becomes enthusiastic thinking about the “band” in which her clients will both engage in and entertain others through music, art, discussion and shared duties around the center.
Ultimately, the NEKHC Adult Day Program furthers the opportunity for seniors to remain at home. In many cases, they can be cared for by their children at night, but family work and other obligations makes daytime care difficult.
The building at 100 Second Street was selected based on its accessible location as well as its wonderful character and history. Originally built as a baptist church in 1847, the structure was moved across the ice from its original site on the Lake Road to its present site in downtown Newport. It was enlarged in 1873 and 1917 to its present size. It was a Baptist Church until the 1980’s when it was sold and converted to office use.
Renovations will ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including ramp access, accessible bathrooms, and widened doorways. NEKHC offices will also be in the building. The second floor provides room for additional activities.
NEKHC is working on furnishing and decorating the facility and will welcome donations from area residents.
NEKHC is expecting to open the doors for business in late October. The program will employ a Program Director and four caregivers.
For additional information on NEKHC, including employment opportunities, visit the website, www.nekhc.com, or contact the company at: NEKHC, 375 E Main Street, Newport, VT 05855 or call (802) 334-7683.