CLIENTS SPOTLIGHT Q&A DEBBIE AND PATTIE

In April, I had the joy of virtually interviewing Patty and Debbie, two clients who regularly attend an Adult Day Health (ADH) Center in Everett. The unique pair met at the ADH center five years ago and have been inseparable since then. The ladies were sincere, honest, and cheerful throughout the interview, and they were excited to share their experiences.

Full Life Care has two Adult Day Health Care centers, one in Seattle and one in Everett. Their programs provide health and wellness services that that work to challenge minds, keep bodies moving and lift the spirits of each participant.

Their centers have programs that run five days a week for four hours a day. They offer skilled nursing and rehab services, including wound care,medication management and diabetic care, and tube feedings. They have occupational therapists that can help with fitting wheelchairs or other assistive devices, Falls Prevention, and general exercises tailored to the individual client’s needs. They also have case managers and social workers They aim to keep folks living independently in the community or at the lowest level of care possible.

Please tell us about yourselves.

Patty: I am currently handicapped and in a wheelchair. I like to do beadwork and arts and crafts. I say I think I’m kind of interesting. Maybe a little bit of a pain, but that’s OK. *laughs* I come by it naturally and am a bit of a comedian.

Debbie: I like reading, doing word search puzzles, and watching TV. Some favorite shows are Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Walker Texas Ranger, and The Bachelorette. I like the Mariners, Kraken, and the Seahawks.

Tell us about the first time you met at this center and briefly describe how your friendship formed.

Patty: I remember meeting around Halloween one year and dressing up like a clown.

Debbie: I dressed up as a Seahawk cheerleader.

Patty and I have been friends for a long time. I go to Patty’s house for lunch. Patty’s brother is my boyfriend, and we have been dating for eight months. We met at Patty’s place.

Patty: We (Debbie and I) like to hang out together and have fun.

What is the most valuable thing you enjoy about coming to this center.

Debbie: I like meeting new people, making friends. Expect friendships. There is a welcome committee. If someone new comes in right away, we welcome them. We want them to feel at home and ease. The staff is very nice and supportive.

Patty: Interacting with the staff and being creative. I like the arts and crafts. And sometimes, they exercise, but only some of the time. The center has dance parties every week and the music style change every week. They can expect plenty of exercises, be wellrespected, and be appreciated.

I knew someone that used to come here. She was scared to death the first day she arrived. So, I went over and told her, “Don’t be scared. You’re OK. I’ll keep you company.” We’ve been friends ever since then. They’re all good people here. If someone gets out of line here, staff will let you know to “knock it off,” *laughs*

When did you first hear about this Adult Day Health Center (ADH)? What attracted you to this center?

Debbie: My family was looking for a place with activities. We found this place and called. I came in for an interview, and I was accepted. I needed something to do because I was bored at home. I needed activities and friendships. Everybody here is open and friendly here. The staff is very supportive. If you need something, they’ll take their time with you; they encourage us.

Patty: I mainly wanted to get out of the house and come, socialize, exercise, and do something healthy.

Debbie: Emily or someone will ask if we liked the lunch. The staff receives feedback from the clients, and if we do not like something, they (staff) will take it out of the menu.

Patty: For lunch, we have stuff like rice, chicken, vegetables, and fruit, and milk always comes with our meals. They are healthy meals.

What was your life like before coming to this Adult Day Health Center?

Patty: Before coming to the center, life was boring. I was lying around, watching tv. I used to smoke. I don’t do that anymore. The center has improved our lifestyle. The staff makes you want to come back. The team is very supportive and ensures we are doing OK or if there’s any change in our health.

Debbie: It was very dull and boring (life). I have very supportive siblings, and they encourage me all the time. I highly recommend anyone that qualifies.

How has this program changed you?

Patty: It’s taught me patience. How to work with other people. The staff is good about letting us know what we are doing is wrong, but they don’t embarrass us in front of other clients. They take us to the side and talk to us. We have nurses here on hand, so if we need medical attention, they’ll come and check us and see what’s wrong. They keep an eye on our blood pressure and weight. The staff makes sure we are doing good at home too. And that we have good caregivers.

Debbie: It’s taught me to relax (laughs) and patience, too. If staff is available and you need to talk, they will speak to you. Emily, our manager, is available to talk to you. I do a lot of crafts with a staff member. I will use the exercise bike when I meet with the OT students in training. I recommend all these staff members. Friendly and supportive. If I am trying to lose weight, a nurse will check my weight and give me tips on what to do. They will weigh me once a week and check my oxygen and heart rate. The nurse on staff here is good, too. The team made themselves available here and at home too. Make sure that we are safe and healthy.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

We really enjoy coming here and being able to socialize with our friends. Nursing students came over for Valentine’s Day and gave us a “makeover,” and did our hair and nails. The staff treats us like family. They let us know that we are appreciated.

Acknowledgements:

Thanks to Susan Worthington, Nursing Services and Adult Day Services Program Manager, for putting me in contact with the Adult Day Health Center staff.

And special thanks to Stacy Christ, Adult Day Health Program Development Director, and Emily Roberts, Program Manager, for helping me coordinate the interview with Debbie and Pattie.