Day Stay - A home away

By Toni Derr Wilcox

Stepping through the door of Bigfork Valley Hospital's Adult Day Stay Program is like stepping into a neighbor's home. You're sure to be greeted with a friendly hello, and before you know it you're part of a group off on a summer garage sale run or enjoying live musical performances at the Villas. Barb Rahier, Day Stay Coordinator, says "A lot of people attend Day Stay just for the social programs - they live alone in their home and don't drive or have family readily available and are bored or isolated."

In addition to being fun, Day Stay helps people 18 years and older remain in their home and community as long as possible. Participants who have physical or mental disabilities that make independent living difficult, but don't need 24-hour care, benefit from the supportive environment and convenient access to medical care. "We are built on a social model, which means we focus on interaction and only support minor medical things like foot soaks or range of motion activities. We do accept people who need daily therapy, dressing changes or medical needs like occupational therapy, but those are done at the clinic or with a therapist," explains Rahier.

Respite for family caregivers is another benefit of Day Stay. According to a 2006 study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, each week over seven million Americans care for elderly relatives with functional limitations. A regular break from the physical and mental demands of caring for a loved one is essential to the caregiver's health, and the well being of the person being cared for. An added benefit to both participants and caregivers, is Bigfork Valley Day Stay's location in the same building as Scenic Rivers Medical and Dental Clinics. Appointments can be scheduled for days the participants attend the adult day services program.

Day Stay is regularly open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and transportation is provided within a twenty mile radius. Fees are determined on an individual basis and Alternative Care funds may be available for those who qualify. Assistance is provided in applying for funding and Rahier says it takes two days to get a response. For more information stop by or call (218) 743-3052.