Hope lives vibrantly at Unity Adult Day Center

By Correne Martin

Unity Adult Day Center is a new, state-licensed center in Prairie du Chien that opened June 1 in the back of the former Kozelka’s Menswear building downtown. The program is offered under the arm of the Opportunity Center, which is supported by the Department of Health Services through Family Care. 

The 4,500-square-foot day care is intended to address a recognized local need for daytime services and activities provided for frail elderly and mainly adults with developmental disabilities, mental illness, physical disabilities and sensory disabilities. The primary objective is to enrich social and health supportive experiences for those who may need assistance with daily living activities, supervision and protection.

“We wanted to create services that were integrated and that would help people stay in their homes longer by providing respite for caregivers to also keep themselves healthy,” said Angie Engrav, Opportunity Center program director. 

“We have such a personal caregiver shortage everywhere, and it’s difficult sometimes to find people to go into homes and provide these services,” added Pam Ritchie, Opportunity Center director.

At Unity Adult Day Center, individuals are supervised and trained based on their needs and desires by a staff of CNAs. The ratio of staff to enrolled adults is 1 to 6. Currently, there are four full-time CNAs employed who assist the equivalent of about 25 men and women full-time, as there are full-time, part-time and drop-in adults utilizing services. The center is open five days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and serves clients 17 years and older at present, though it could serve younger individuals. Unity has the capability to serve 40 people full-time.

“As it grows, we will be hiring,” Ritchie noted, “and we may expand our hours.” 

Skilled nursing is not part of the services available; however, the CNAs can provide assistance with personal services, such as eating, bathing, grooming, medication administration, and assistance with using adaptive equipment. Meals and snacks, transportation and both group and individual activities are a big part of the day that is designed to meet physical, social and leisure time needs.

Shower and bath services are highly-anticipated options Unity offers to fill a void for community members who may have troubles getting into the showers or bathtubs at home and maybe cannot afford to redo their own bathrooms. At the center, there are several private bathrooms that allow users walk-in access to these amenities.

“Think about how long it’s been since someone in a wheelchair has had a hot bath with bubbles. This gives them that opportunity and they can still have that safety and supervision,” Engrav remarked.

Within the homelike atmosphere of Unity, programming is led by Nancy Emery. The fun, healthy and functional activities involve intergenerational endeavors in the center and out in the community. 

There’s an art room, art therapy, a sensory room, aroma therapy, a library, youth and animal visits, music making, exercise, cooking projects, and various other hands-on activities available right on-site. People are welcome to bring whatever makes them feel comfortable and are encouraged to engage as much as they wish. There are even four recliners where clients can also choose to curl up with a blanket and take a nap. 

Ritchie and Engrav fondly told about one woman who loves to clip coupons and could do so all day. They shared how another woman enjoys putting together puzzle after puzzle for hours, if she’s allowed, and a man who prefers reading the newspapers and magazines so much the staff tries to bring in many.

Trips around town have taken Unity adults to the Rendezvous, movie theater, shopping, gardens, lock and dam, Dubuque river museum, the fair, a La Crosse Loggers game, fishing, among other places.

Unity Adult Day Center is the first center of its kind in Crawford County, Ritchie pointed out, noting that Opportunity Center administration visited similar sites in La Crosse and the Milwaukee area prior to this one opening in Prairie du Chien. Unity works well with and has received numerous referrals from the local Aging and Disability Resource Center.

“The referrals are rolling in,” Ritchie said. “Everyone is HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) protected. The staff is very well-trained for all health issues they may encounter.”

Engrav added that there’s an intake process all day care clients go through before enrollment is approved, so that Unity ensures the best possible service.

“The connection they’ve made has been really cool to see. Everybody is benefitting,” Ritchie observed.

“The clients are very happy and upbeat. The caregivers are happy with how happy their person is and that they get to their own appointments and not have to worry,” Engrav said.

As those attending the adult day center enjoy their contemporarily-renovated, relaxing and quiet space behind Cafe Hope, they’re excited to have a newly-constructed patio behind the building too. 

There’s certainly plenty to look forward to at Unity Adult Day Center. As its tagline says, it’s a place “Where Hope Lives.” Stop in and see the smiles, interaction and inclusion that’s happening there, and you’ll also experience the contagious “hope” instantaneously.

For more information, call 326-6486.