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Deer River HealthCare Center's adult day
services allows seniors to maintain independence
Dad has lots of health problems but wants to live at home, how do we help him? Mom needs lots of medical attention, how do we help Dad who is her primary care giver? My kids work all day and worry about me being home alone and taking care of myself - where can I go during the day?
Ultimately many of us will face questions like this for ourselves and family members. If you are looking for answers, Deer River HealthCare Center (DRHC) offers area residents solutions through Friendship Haven Adult Day services.
Friendship Haven is located within the Deer River HealthCare Center complex which offers a variety of programs and health care services in one convenient location. The daytime program serves the physical, social and emotional needs of adults 18 and older that have difficulty with independent living but don't require 24-hour care. The program is designed to help adults maintain their independence and home residence.
Friendship Haven offers residents: medical monitoring; medication management; mental and physical stimulation and socialization; personal care (including bathing); foot care; rehabilitation therapies; recreational activities; day respite and caregiver support; structured exercises; noon meals and snacks; nutrition counseling; health counseling and education.
"When clients come to day services, their referral often comes from their doctor," said Mitzi Olson, Friendship Haven Team Leader. "While the social aspect is very important, we also focus on medical needs. We make clinic appointments, monitor diabetics and high blood pressure as required by their doctors, obtain prescriptions, and other medical needs. Social is nice but when you're 80 years old, you need to see your doctor and we can do all of that right here under one roof."
Also helpful to seniors is the Silverline Bus service offered by Deer River HealthCare Center. "Our bus covers a 50-mile radius," said Olson. "Our drivers can pick up our clients and not only transport them to Friendship Haven for the day, but will also take them to the grocery stores downtown where they can pick out what they want and need, and then take them home."
Silverline Bus provides transportation for older adults and persons with disabilities. Drivers meet the training required by the Minnesota Department of Transportation including First Aid, CPR, passenger assistance and defensive driving. The Bus has traveled over one million miles since 1985.
DRHC also offers Deer River Home Care which brings extensive outreach programs to the home. Residents can access registered nurses; physical, occupational and speech therapists; homemakers and health aides; and in-home respite.
If you want more information about Friendship Haven, Silverline Bus or Deer River Home Care, please call Mitzi Olson at (218) 246-3010.
ABOUT DEER RIVER HEALTHCARE CENTER
Deer River HealthCare Center, Inc. (DRHC) is a non-profit community owned and operated comprehensive health care campus. Located in Deer River, Minnesota, with a service area consisting of a 50-mile radius, the staff of over 200 health care workers offers area residents a wide range of high-quality health care services in one convenient location. Deer River HealthCare Center is committed to providing quality, compassionate health care for life.
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