Why we need a retirement program for seniors with disabilities Retirement……some of us can't wait, while others dread the prospect. We dream of it, plan for it, and hope it will bring many years of satisfaction and contributing to ourselves, our families, and our community. The same is true for our senior citizens with developmental disabilities. Once they have retired from their day programs or jobs, these seniors need daily activities that will stimulate, challenge, be worthwhile, allow them to contribute to their community, monitor general physical health, and offer companionship, structure, and guidance. Program Structure That’s why Community Living created its senior citizen day program, Retirement Our Way, or ROW. ROW is a day program created specifically for seniors with developmental disabilities. The program is based at the Community Living office in Frederick, but participants routinely travel all over town and the county for various activities and events. ROW seniors attend public functions and participate in county senior programs. They get involved in arts and crafts, woodworking, gardening, picnics, field trips, bingo, bowling, golfing, cooking, exercise programs, mall walking, eating at various restaurant, and fishing. They shop, get manicures, get their hair styled, visit nursing homes, go out for coffee, and enjoy guest entertainers and volunteer companions. Medical Needs ROW is staffed with experienced personnel who have had extensive training in working with the developmentally disabled. All staff members are certified in both CPR and First Aid. A nurse is always on duty at Community Living, and oversees regular monitoring of senior vitals as a part of the ROW program. These nurses also arrange doctor appointments and oversee administration of all necessary medications. Specifics The Retirement Our Way Our day program operates from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The fee is $35 per person per day (financial assistance may be available). Schedules are personalized for individual needs and desires (some of our seniors attend just one or two days per week). An activities calendar is published monthly in order to assist families and caregivers with scheduling. Transportation can be provided for an extra fee. For more information on the Retirement Our Way senior day program at Community Living, or to apply, contact info@communitylivinginc.org or call Susan Holton, 301-663-8811.
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