Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1031417
12 - SENIOR Health Fair - September 26, 2018 Village House celebrates 30 years of serving the community By Karen Rice The Weekly Vista Village House Adult Day Program (VHADP) proudly welcomes attendees to the annual Fall Senior Expo at Riordan Hall. It's just one of the programs they present to thank the community of Bella Vista for the past 30 years of support. VHADP is the only Adult Day Program in North- west Arkansas, providing a supervised program of activities for individuals who may no longer feel comfortable staying home by themselves. Participants range in ages from 18-90+, with a variety of conditions, including Blindness, Trau- matic Brain Injury, Alzhei- mer's and other Dementias, Parkinson's, COPD, and Adults with Special Needs, among others. VHADP provides breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack, and can accommodate special dietary restrictions. "You could call this an Adult Life Enrichment Ce n t e r," s a i d V H A D P Director Sara Scott. "When you come here you'll see fun, hear music and experi- ence caring and friendship." The staff focuses on participants' strengths and abilities by individualizing activities and care while minimizing disabilities and weaknesses. Exercise, music, movies, laughter and reminiscing are just some of the activities participants do throughout the day at Village House. "We provide the comforts of home with the assistance of professionals," Sara continued. "Our direct care staff consists of C.N.A.s, and our Team includes a Life Enrichment Coordi- nator, Outreach Specialist, Cook and Director." V H A D P p r o v i d e s a smaller 'ratio care' than required by the State. They are grateful to the community for financial support and to a diverse Team of Volunteers for helping to create and maintain an engaging and enriching envi- ronment. Socialization is important at every stage in life. Being a caregiver is a stressful, often isolating expe- rience. VHADP provides an opportunity for the care- giver to have a break, and enhances the quality of life for participants and their loved ones. VHADP has implemented several community programs recently, to say "thank you", to the commu- nity for the past 30 years of support. These (free) services include a Caregiver Support Group, Lunch & Learn Series, and utilization of VHADP's Community Room by churches, clubs, and other organizations for meetings and events. V H A D P i s e x t r e m e l y proud to be a part of such a wonderful community, and is sincerely thankful for past and continued support. VHADP participants can attend 8 hours/day, 5 days/week, or as little as once every 90 days. Fees for services range from $10.84-$15.00/ hour; Medicaid covers the program, and some Long Term Care Insur- ance Policies will reim- burse beneficiaries for program costs. e first day is always FREE, and grants and schol- arships can be available for services. VHADP is open Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. Please call 479.855.4449 for more information about their services, or visit villagehousebellavista. com. "Village House has given my dad a social environment outside the home. Thanks to the staff and volunteers who provide a variety of daily events, his demeanor has improved. Village House gives my dad a 'job' to go to and things to do. Village House has a welcoming, cozy atmosphere and a home- like feel that has helped Dad adapt to a new town, new routine and new friends. Village House gives me peace of mind, know- ing my father is somewhere he enjoys and he is safe. Now I have time for other family commitments." -Ann S.