Elder Care Services - Sheridan Senior Center

PURPOSE

In 1992, the Senior Citizens Council opened “Day Break”, an Elder Care Center, to address the needs of the Sheridan Community. Day Break's mission is to provide a safe place for adults to gather who:

require assistance with activities of daily living,
require health monitoring and supervision,
have experienced memory loss, a cognitive impairment, or neurological condition,
are isolated and often alone.

Day Break is not only valuable for those receiving services but for their loved ones. It provides a break from the important yet strenuous tasks of taking care of someone. Day Break plays a critical role in keeping people in their homes and out of long-term care facilities.

SERVICES

Day Break is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. throughout the year. A wide variety of individual and group activities are planned for people to participate in based on their individual preferences and desires. There are a wide variety of activities to choose from including: recreation, education, creative projects, exercise, and many social opportunities. Participants share their interests and have input on things they would like to do.

An individualized approach is taken with each person receiving Day Break Services. A schedule and plan of care are customized based on the needs and wishes of the individual and their family members. Those who attend Day Break are served a nutritious breakfast, noon meal, and a morning and afternoon snack. Trained and certified professionals respectfully work in the areas of mobility, toileting, meal-time assistance, and bathing.

Hydrotherapy Bathtub

With the purchase of a new walk-in hydrotherapy bathtub, Day Break continues to provide care and respite to the elders of our community. A recent study found that hydrotherapy is beneficial for arthritis sufferers, asthma, pain and wound healing, improves walking for primary varicose veins, and helps reduce swollen ankles. The benefits of "water healing" or hydrotherapy have been recognized for years. If this is something you could benefit from, call 672-2240 to schedule an appointment. Certified Nurses Aides (CNAs) are available if assistance is needed.

STAFF

A Director provides supervision and oversight of services, participants, and staff in the Day Break area. An Assistant Director and Aides are scheduled daily based on the number of people in attendance. The Staff have received specialized training on a wide variety of topics relevant to the adults they serve.

Costs, schedules, transportation, and other logistics are determined at an initial meeting with the person receiving services, family members, and the Day Break Director. Information that is important in getting to know the individual attending Day Break is also communicated at this time.

IS DAY BREAK RIGHT FOR YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE?

If you are wondering whether the services we provide in Day Break are right for you or your loved one, it may be helpful to read through the following questions. You can even download and print the questions to fill out later. If at any time you would like to talk to us in person instead, please call 307-672-2240 and ask for Barb Gibbons.

Complete this checklist to help determine if you and your loved one can benefit from the services of “Day Break” at the Sheridan Senior Center.

Are you increasingly worried about the health and safety of an elderly loved one who:

1) Needs regular health check-ups and may need help with taking prescribed medications?	Yes	No
2) Can no longer be alone at home completely safely?	Yes	No
3) Needs assistance with aspects of personal care (eating, bathing, or dressing)?	Yes	No
4) Is becoming confused or forgetful?	Yes	No
5) Has any stage of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss?	Yes	No
6) Is increasingly dependent on you, your time, and your energy?	Yes	No

If you said “yes” to any of these questions, your loved one may benefit from professional daytime care in the safe, supportive environment of Day Break.

Are you increasingly worried about the isolation or inactivity of a family member who:

1) Has lost interest in hobbies or trying something new?	Yes	No
2) Does not socialize or stay in touch with friends?	Yes	No
3) Needs something to do with his or her time?	Yes	No
4) Isn’t eating well unless you plan for or prepare meals?	Yes	No
5) Is alone a lot, and doesn’t get out of the house much?	Yes	No
6) Is losing physical strength, in part due to lack of exercise?	Yes	No

If you said “yes” to any of these questions, you or your family member may meet new friends and make every day full of life at Day Break.

Are you providing care for - or worrying about - an elderly family member? If so:

1) Are you neglecting your own health?	Yes	No
2) Do you often have outstanding errands on your “to do list”?	Yes	No
3) Are you working or want to find a job?	Yes	No
4) Do you feel overwhelmed, or like you’re falling behind?	Yes	No
5) Have you cut back on your own personal interests?	Yes	No
6) Do you keep postponing your visits with friends and family, or the class you have been thinking about?	Yes	No
7) Would rest from full-time care help you to be an even better caregiver?	Yes	No

If you said “yes” to any of these questions, Day Break can share the caring so that you can be at your best.

Do something wonderful. Call today.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you believe Day Break may be right for you, a loved one, or someone you know, please contact us for more information. We will be happy to meet with you at your convenience to discuss how these services may add to the quality of life of someone you care about.

Day Break is licensed by the Wyoming Department of Health. Day Break continues to serve as a model for daytime elder care in the State of Wyoming.