Circles of Caring Adult Day Health Foundation Inc

Circles of Caring Adult Day Health (ADH) gives individuals living with dementia, chronic illness or disabilities a place to spend four – six hours a day where they can benefit from social activities, nursing care, rehabilitative therapy and social work services delivered by licensed, professional staff. The mission of this weekday program, serving Whitman and Latah county, is to make it possible for an aging or otherwise vulnerable population to maintain mental and physical functional abilities; be in an environment in which to experience success and share in community; and continue to live at home for as long as safely possible.

By closely monitoring the health and wellbeing of each program participant and working directly with family physicians, Circles of Caring ADH also helps families understand and respond effectively to the health care needs of their loved ones and avert more costly medical attention like hospitalization and nursing home care.  At the same time, caregivers benefit from the respite that Circles of Caring ADH provides, enabling them to remain in the workforce and/or have a break from the stressful daily routine of caring for a family member with cognitive impairment and/or medical demands.

Circles of Caring ADH nurses and social work staff, working closely with participants, family caregivers and healthcare providers, and are oftentimes on the frontline of identifying health triggers that, when treated early and with consistency, can help avoid unnecessary ER, hospitalization, or nursing home placements. At a time of rising health care costs, professional adult day health services have been found to be significantly more cost effective than full-time senior nursing care facilities ($3,000/month versus $7,000/month, respectively, according to the National Adult Day Services Association). In addition, families have the peace of mind that loved ones are cared for by professional staff, in a supportive nurturing environment, and return home in the evenings, which for many is much more desirable than residential care.