| Many families and
caregivers may be unaware of an affordable, state-certified,
nonprofit, supervised day-care facility that serves the East
Shore from New Haven to Westbrook. Known as Orchard House
and located on Short Beach Road in Branford, it offers professional
care for those who need assistance during the day, but do
not require institutionalized care.
For example, someone with diabetes, Parkinson’s or
other neurological disorder could be picked up by a chair-lift-equipped
van, arrive at Orchard House anytime after 8 in the morning
during the week and remain until almost 4 with a day filled
with appropriate activities and a caring administrative
and medical staff on site. (Hours on Saturday and Sunday
are from 9-3).
A typical day might start with a light breakfast in the
large, sunny cafeteria followed by simple body-strengthening
exercises. Hymns or a church service would be held on certain
days, followed by table games, cards or bingo.
For those who want to relax and watch their favorite TV
program, there is lounge area with plush recliners and an
oversized, state-of-the-art television. After a nutritious
lunch, clients might enjoy music appreciation, small-pin
bowling, English literature, crafts or board games. While
this may sound like a typical, busy senior center, it most
definitely serves a distinctly different need and clientele.
The people who are lovingly cared for at Orchard House
(or the East Shore Adult Day Center, as it is also known)
have more extensive needs for care than can be accommodated
at the usual senior center, which serves independent, self-sufficient
individuals. Orchard House has on staff a social gerontologist,
a psychologist, registered nurses and nurses aides and an
activity therapist. They can offer medical treatment and
nutritional care planning as ordered by a client’s
doctor, as well as activities to stimulate body and mind,
tailored to each person’s needs.
The mission statement says it all: “To restore, maintain
or improve our clients’ abilities and enhance their
quality of life by providing a home-like setting that encourages
independence and friendship.” In addition, they offer
monthly support groups for the often hard-pressed caregivers
of the clients they serve.
This facility, which was founded in 1980 by gerontologist
Thomas Romano, who is still the guiding light and current
director, has been honored nationally by the U.S. Administration
on Aging and received a congressional award for outstanding
contributions to the community, state and nation.
Romano credited the town of Branford for its outstanding
help: Orchard House lives rent-free at 421 Shore Drive,
former site of the Short Beach School, in a sun-filled facility.
There is also a beautiful garden and walking path, which
residents are able to enjoy in the warmer weather.
Tom Romano is the visionary kind of person who always wants
to improve and hopes to expand the art and occupational
therapy, as well as bringing in schoolchildren for quality
time with the elderly.
However, as Phil Guiliano, the personable assistant director,
told the Branford Women’s Club recently, “Budgets
are tight everywhere, and we are very much in need of donations
and volunteers.” Volunteers help with bingo games,
parties, picnics and craft projects, but just knowing how
to listen and give an occasional hug can make a big difference
in someone’s day.
For more information, go to www.OrchardHouseCare.org or
call 203-481-7110.
Jean Cherni is founder of Senior
Living Solutions, a retirement advisory service. Contact
her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds, Branford
06405.
H. Pearce Company REALTORS®
is a full-service real estate company with more than 100
agents and branch offices in greater New Haven and the Shoreline.
Corporate and & Commercial offices are located in North
Haven, where the company was founded in 1958. All listings
can be found in color on the web at: www.hpearce.com. |
