Frequently Asked Questions - Day Center

Q: Do you give medication?

A: Yes, our onsite nurse usually gives medications. Every 6 months we send medication updates to participants' doctors, even if we don't give the participants medication here and even if the participants aren't on medication, to make sure any changes have been communicated to us.

Q: Do you check blood pressure?

A: Yes, we check participants' temperature, pulse, blood pressure, breathing rate and weight at the same time at each month and alert caregivers to any unusual changes.

Q: What is required prior to enrollment?

A: There are a few items required before a family can enroll.

• Tour of the facility by family
• Completion of enrollment packet, including a medical information form to be completed by physician or nurse practioner
• Results from recent TB test for participant
• Enrollment fee

Q: What goes on all day?

A: We offer a variety of programs in a meaningful structure. Restful and invigorating activities are alternated, and each have specific benefits, such as the Balloon Toss which increases participants' blood flow, while allowing staff to track range of motion.

Check out our Daily Routine.

Q: Where do you go on field trips?

A: We may take participants to ride the train at the park, see the rose garden, visit the flower market, the mall and the bakery, walks at the park, senior exercise classes at the neighborhood YMCA, the museum, orazalea trail, and wildflower tours. Field trips and other excursions depend on the season and weather permitting.

Q: Do you offer transportation?

A: Transportation can be provided upon family request. For additional information on transportation options, please call 713-667-2840.

Q: What if the participant has special dietary needs?

A: We have a dietician under counsel, and can accommodate special needs, such as diabetes, or tooth problems that require pureed food. We can also provide minimal assistance with eating. Applicants must be able to feed themselves with minimal assistance. Minimal assistance includes special meal preparation such as cutting or pureeing food and/or being prompted, cued, or reminded to eat. If a participant prefers a lighter lunch than our usual hearty meal, he may have soup or a sandwich instead. Snacks are served at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and lunch is served at noon.

Q: What is your ratio of staff to participants?

A: While the state requires us to have a 1 to 8 ratio, we instead maintain a 1 to 6 ratio. This ratio provides better supervision and more interaction between staff and participants.

Q: Do you take incontinent applicants? Or those with bowel problems?

A: Incontinent individuals may be enrolled. Incontinent aids/supplies must be provided by the family and will be used, as needed, to maintain the dignity of the participant.

Q: Do you take applicants who use a wheelchair?

A: Yes, however, all participants must be able to bear their own weight. For example, in the bathroom they must be able to stand up, pivot and sit down, with minimal assistance. Applicants with poor balance or an unsteady gait must use a cane, walker, or wheelchair to avoid falls or injury. If in a wheelchair, participants must be able to push the chair themselves. The total number of members using a wheelchair will be limited to ensure adequate space is available for program activities.

Q: Is the day center free? Do you accept Medicare or Medicaid?

A: No, however if the participant has long term care insurance, day center fees are usually eligible for reimbursement, and we do have a scholarship program. For more information on Day Center fees and scholarships, please contact the Day Center at 713-667-2840.

Q: How many hours is a half day? A full day?

A: A half day is 5 and a half hours long, and can begin at 7 a.m. or later. Many people choose to take a half day from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. If someone comes in at 12:30 p.m., we can save a lunch for him if we know he is coming. A full day is considered 5 and a half hours to 11 hours.