By Jeremy Morak
Families in the Buffalo Niagara region searching for care and support for loved ones with vision loss, should know about Light House Guild’s program called GuildCare. GuildCare is the only community-based long term Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) program in New York state specializing in such care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are only 4,200 ADHC centers in the U.S. providing services to about 250,000 individuals daily.
GuildCare members range in age from 21 to 95, and have varying degrees of vision loss, in addition to other health conditions. Program participants receive two daily meals, as well as structured therapeutic activities Monday through Friday. Activities include trivia, karaoke, Bingo, crafts, and other games. Members also enjoy community outings, picnics, baseball games, shopping, bowling, and trips to local ice cream shops. Participants receive speech, physical, and occupational therapy; nutrition counseling; medication management; and care from highly skilled visual impairment specialists. Support groups focus on mental health, traumatic brain injuries, and coping with vision loss.
Giving back to the community is another significant aspect of what happens at GuildCare. Members help Meals on Wheels and also make gift bags for The Ronald McDonald House. GuildCare Director Jamie Ridout works with her staff to cultivate an environment that accommodates the needs of individuals in the program, while also making it feel like home. Ridout looks forward to GuildCare’s annual talent show during National Adult Day Healthcare Appreciation week from Sept 15-21, at which time GuildCare will also be celebrating its 33rd Anniversary.
GuildCare programs are located in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Albany, and Manhattan. To learn more, visit www.lighthouseguild.org/healthcare-services/adult-day-health-care, or call 716-885-8041.
Jeremy Morak is the marketing director of Lighthouse Guild.
