50+ Lifestyles

Intouch Celebrates 35th Anniversary during National Adult Day Week (September 14-18)

By Sharon Patten
Program Director
Intouch Adult Day & Home Care Services

    Intouch Adult Day & Home Care Services of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois is celebrating its 35th Anniversary during National Adult Day Week (September 14-18). They will have an Open House on Thursday, September 17, from 4 to 7 p,m.

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the third full week of September to be National Adult Day Week to raise awareness of the availability and accessibility of adult day programs nationwide.

Adult day centers provide supervised community settings in which men and women can obtain care that may not be available in their own homes. These centers provide opportunities for adults who are socially isolated to find friends, learn skill, and obtain the care they need without being forced to live in institutions. They also offer needed respite to families and caregivers whose loved one lives with them.

It comes as no surprise that Intouch has decided to celebrate its 35th anniversary during Adult Day Week. “Adult day centers play a vital role in keeping seniors active, safe, and in their homes longer,” says Intouch’s Program Director, Sharon Patten.“We look forward to inviting community members into Intouch at our Open House (September 17, 4 to 7 p.m.) and throughout Adult Day Week to show everyone what a great Adult Day program looks like.”

This year’s Adult Day Week theme is “Living Well Into the Future.” Intouch is celebrating with a special array of activities that focus on how healthy habits can allow us to live well into our personal futures. All week, Intouch will be offering door prizes and playing up the theme of what life will look like in the future. The week will culminate in Intouch planting a time capsule in the Garden to be opened in year 2030 on their 50th Anniversary.

“Adult Day Week is a great opportunity to share our terrific program and the fun things we do here,” comments Lynn Lyons, Activity Director at Intouch. “Our people are vital, active, and busy. Intouch gives them a space to interact with their peers instead of sitting at home alone. People get better when they come here – they just do.”

Intouch is offering free days throughout the week so that people can “try it out.” Pre-registration is required by calling (309) 797-0200. Intouch specifically invites seniors over 60 who need socialization (our Adaptive Services is a secure unit geared towards seniors with cognitive impairment) and adults over 18 with developmental disabilities.

Members of the public are also welcome to drop in throughout the week and see what’s going on. For more
information, call Intouch at (309) 797-0200.

Sharon Patten is the Program Director at Intouch Adult Day & Home Care Services. She can be reached at (309) 7697-0200 or at Sharon.patten@lssi.org.