impacting people; changing lives

Jane’s daughter can’t believe how ACCC has transformed her mother’s life.

          For Jane, who “has never been a joiner,” according to her daughter, Adult Care of Chester County has “opened a whole new world.” Jane loves the chance to meet new people, and form new friendships at ACCC. After getting used to the routine of attending the center two years ago, she began to look forward to coming every day. She now attends four days each week, and her daughter says “the center is absolutely the highlight of her life.” 
          Like many of our participants, Jane has a rich past full of exciting stories. Jane worked as a US Navy nursing assistant during WWII and was stationed at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland for fifteen months. She and her friends enjoyed traveling down to Washington DC to see movies when they worked as nurses in Bethesda, Maryland. 
          Now Jane lives with her daughter – and five cats and two dogs – in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. “I like living there with her,” Jane says. Jane’s daughter works every day, and says one of the biggest benefits of ACCC for her is the awareness that her mom is secure, safe and loved. 
          Jane herself loves the center. “It keeps my mind occupied,” she says. “I look forward to it every day. I just like being here; the workers are so friendly.” She says her favorite part of coming to the center is the enhanced exercise, which helps her body stay strong and prevents dangerous falls. Since good cooking has been a lifelong interest, she also loves participating in the cooking group.  
          Jane’s daughter, who serves as Jane’s primary caregiver, has also been impressed with the services of Adult Care of Chester County. She says the center is exactly suited for Jane’s needs. The social aspect helps Jane feel involved, although she is somewhat shy, and the activities are beneficial for her mental and physical wellbeing. She calls the center “better than my wildest dreams,” and says “It’s an absolute miracle what the center has done for my mother. She is as content as I’ve ever seen her. She raised six kids, and now is her time to enjoy life.”

Cecil thrives because of his attendance at ACCC.

          “If I could not come here,” says Cecil, “I just do not know where I would be.  Before I came here, I just stayed in my room alone, watched television, and had no one to talk to.  Coming to Adult Care has changed my life.”  All of Cecil’s immediate family members are deceased, and he rarely sees other family members like nieces and nephews.  He says that the staff here are his family, and the participants here are his friends.  When Cecil leaves on Friday afternoon, he can hardly wait for Monday morning so he can come back.    
          Cecil has loved music all his life.  The music therapy program here offers him the opportunity to do what he loves: singing!  Cecil sings solos and in our choir, and loves having a big part in our talent show.  He feels that our music therapist gets through to all of our participants and everyone gets something out of every session.  He says music therapy is “the best medicine,” and feels that Adult Care would not be the same without it.  Cecil says that music relaxes and soothes him, lifts his spirits and makes him forget about his problems. 
          Cecil also praises our nurses for the way they monitor his health and his medications and gratefully admits that they have brought him through many hard times.    

Victor's Victories

          The closing act of our Spring Talent Show this year was a solo drum performance by Victor Capasso. Victor has Alzheimer’s disease and often forgets things like names and locations. But when it comes to rhythm, Victor’s attention to detail is flawless. His drum solo stirred the crowd to cheers and his wide grin showed how proud he was of his success. Victor’s recent appearance in our Talent Show is just one way he is benefitting from the special programs and services at Adult Care of Chester County. 
            Once a week, Victor works with Penny, our Certified Music Therapist, in a one-on-one drum session. Because he has difficulty keeping his attention focused in large group settings or over long stretches of time, group music sessions are a challenge for Victor. In working with Victor one-on-one, Penny has found that he is able to stay focused on the drumming for sessions of a half-hour without becoming distracted or anxious. In fact, the drumming sessions actually relieve anxiety and help Victor to release stress. Following an afternoon session, Victor’s usual late-day fretfulness is gone and he is able to relax. His sister, Doreen, tells us that Victor also speaks of his drum sessions when he’s at home, and takes his musician role very seriously. 
           When he’s not spending the afternoon in the music room, Victor also enjoys Brain Workouts, cognitive activities that work like exercise for the brain. This program also allows Victor to work one-on-one, this time with a staff “tutor,” and sharpen his attention and concentration skills. Victor’s Brain Workout sessions target him with activities designed for his needs. Activities aiming to improve short-term memory, attention, language, and recognition make up each of his sessions. Victor enjoys these sessions and loves seeing his own progress as he improves in the program. 
            Doreen, Victor’s sister, feels that coming to Adult Care of Chester County has given Victor something to look forward to each day, and has provided a meaningful structure to his life. From Brain Workouts, which provide healthy exercise for his brain, to drumming sessions, which help to lower his stress, the activities available to Victor at ACCC benefit many aspects of his life on a daily basis. And his attendance here does as much for us as it does for him. Victor loves to make people laugh, and is always joking with staff members. Movie quotes and song lyrics will sometimes come unexpectedly from Victor’s mouth at just the right moment. Victor’s shining smile and hearty attitude toward life inspire us all.