Network Core Programs
The Network’s core programs increase awareness and access to adult day programs, enhance their quality of and scope of care, and support the needs of family caregivers.
• Community Education and Outreach
• Family Caregiver Support Program
• Senior Injury Prevention
• Integration of Adults with Developmental Disabilities
• Mental Health Initiative
• Planning and Advocacy
• Peer Group Interchange
Community Education and Outreach
The Network provides educational sessions and materials tailored to the interests of caregivers; medical, health and social service providers; businesses; policy makers; and the general public. Additionally, the Network participates in health fairs and community outreach events. The goal is to increase understanding of caregiving issues and a range of support options, with a special emphasis on the value and availability of adult day programs. A combination of videos, slide shows, and written materials augment in-person presentations.
Family Caregiver Support Program
The Network operates a range of services designed to help families meet the challenges and responsibilities which are common to caregiving. Family Caregiver services include:
Information and Assistance Telephone Line: Caregivers and the general public are invited to call the Network’s free Information and Assistance line to learn about care options based on their individual needs.
Community Education and Outreach: Community education sessions and participation in local health and community fairs provide a wealth of information on available resources for caregivers.
Respite Scholarships for Adult Day Services: Recognizing the isolation and exhaustion that often accompany caregiving and the value of respite in protecting caregiver health and the ability to continue caregiving, the Network provides respite services for caregivers through its affiliated Adult Day Programs.
Caregiver Counseling and Support Groups: One-on-one counseling and support groups provide personal and practical support for caregivers, while reducing isolation and stress. These support services are also offered in Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean, for mono-lingual speaking caregivers.
Senior Injury Prevention Program
Recognizing that isolation and exhaustion often accompany caregiving, the Network raises and re-grants funds to Alameda County Adult Day programs for subsidized caregiver respite during times of special need. This respite helps protect caregiver health and supports aging in place. Currently the Network re-grants $48,500 per year to member agencies, providing 1,600 days of respite care.
Senior Injury Prevention Program
Falls are the single biggest cause of limited activity among seniors, often leading to severe physical and emotional decline, institutionalization, and premature death. Injury Prevention programs include:
Home Safety Modification Program: Home safety modifications such as the installation of grab bars, hand held showers, and commode rails help prevent falls that can often occur at home.
Enhanced Activity Sessions for Falls Prevention: The Network trains instructors at the Adult Day Programs in the latest strategies to increase fitness and reduce fall risk through exercise.
Integration of Adults with Developmental Disabilities
In collaboration with Regional Center of the East Bay, the Network is working to promote and increase participation of adults with developmental disabilities in adult day programs in the East Bay.
Mental Health Initiative
With 26% of ADS clients having a mental health diagnosis, ADS member agencies have identified the need to strengthen program capacity to respond to their needs. The Network is currently engaged in an initiative that will further identify needs, resources and gaps in care, in order to better serve this growing population.
Advocacy and Planning
The Network participates in local and state-wide planning and advocacy to address policy, fiscal and regulatory developments as they impact adult day and other long term care services.
Adult Day Services Peer Group Exchange
Adult day staff from across the County’s 15 adult day programs meet together to share information and best practices about daily operations, programming, management challenges, and policy issues. This spirit of mutual cooperation provides a support network for staff and enhances the quality of care and operations throughout the County’s Adult Day programs.
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