Tehachapi Adult Day Health Care Center – services, activities and community

Provided.

During August we had an Olympics-style basketball shooting tournament with preliminary rounds, qualifying ranking rounds and a final shootout for medals. Pictured are the top three from the women's division who received medals during podium ceremonies.

Are you a senior looking for a place to find a supportive community and a place to interact with others? Do you have an aging parent or adult child who might benefit from a safe place to interact with others, work on skills and become engaged? Are you an adult with medical complications and want more careful daily monitoring?

As people age there is a natural tendency to get less active; people can settle into inactive routines and grow increasingly sedentary. For most people it's easier to remain at home watching TV alone. It is important for older adults to be proactive about their activity levels, including engaging with a social community.

Research has shown the importance of seniors' engagement with a social community. The program at the Adult Day Health Center addresses emotional wellbeing, as well as maintenance of physical health. Studies have repeatedly shown that elderly people with high levels of social interaction reap the benefits physically, too – with slower progression of health decline, lower blood pressure and lower stress levels. Activities at the ADHC are designed to keep the brain active and promote learning new skills.

The ADHC program is designed to provide participants with an opportunity to get out of the house regularly and engage with others during activities and exercise. An onsite kitchen serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch for participants.

The Tehachapi ADHC offers professional services which include nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, a registered dietician, speech therapy and social services. Support is available to assist with insurance enrollment, access to available services or resources and making medical appointments (as well as setting up transportation to get there). Participants are assessed across disciplines to determine their specific needs and to develop an individualized plan of care.

Weekly activities include music, bingo, matinee movies and occasional tournaments. Exercise is offered via chair yoga or individualized workout plans developed by therapists. Other available activities include arts/crafts, game play, puzzling and dancing. Participants can be found playing pool, shuffleboard, board games, cards and dominoes.

During August we had an Olympics-style basketball shooting tournament with preliminary rounds, qualifying ranking rounds and a final shootout for medals. The top three from the men's and women's divisions then received medals during podium ceremonies.

The Tehachapi ADHC, open for only nine months, has already created a tight-knit community of people who care about each other. Participants report checking in with each other and helping with errands outside of their time in the Center. Several note that the ADHC has given them the chance to meet and get to know people they would otherwise never get a chance to know.

Plan a visit to the Tehachapi Adult Day Healthcare Center to see if this program is a good fit for you or your family. Drop-in visits are welcome.

The ADHC is located at 123 W. F St., Tehachapi. Prior to becoming ADHC, locals will recall this location (on the corner of F and Curry streets) as the former site of the Moose Lodge. Program hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, call (661) 863-9998 during program hours, or simply stop by for a visit.