New Avenues to Independence, Inc. Providing services for individuals with disabilities since 1952.
SENIOR PROGRAM
Copyright © 2004 - 2008 New Avenues to Independence, Inc. All rights reserved.
Revised: September 13, 2008.
The needs of older aging persons with developmental disabilities are generally in line with needs of other elderly individuals found
in our communities. Though the needs of persons with disabilities share a common base with the needs of the general population
studies have shown, for example, that the gene that causes Down’s Syndrome is linked with the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease in
many Down’s individuals. Another cause of early onset aging may be the result of inadequate service delivery systems, which has led
to the lack of provision of adequate, appropriate and timely services earlier in the lives of these affected people.
In response
to this need, New Avenues to Independence, Inc., has developed a comprehensive and coordinated program that provides services that
are specialized to the needs of the aging and aged adult with disabilities. The overall goals for the New Avenues Seniors Day
Activity Program are:
- To maintain and improve the level of physical and mental health required to functionally perform in the environment; and
- To develop interest and participation in meaningful activities that will enhance the individual's quality of life.
These
goals form the basis for individual and group programming and offer direction to providing quality services for the program participants.
Four
defined program areas are designed to meet individual needs and achieve the program goals. They include an emphasis on the following:
1.
Reality Orientation
Reality orientation is a program that brings awareness to the individual regarding the time, place, persons
or things of interest that will help him/her become grounded in reality. This segment of programming helps the individual determine
where s/he is, who he is, what surrounds him in the environment, and what relationship and responsibility he has to them.
The
human senses are worked with, to be developed and maintained at an effective level whenever possible. Re-motivation, an important
aspect of maintaining a healthy attitude about oneself, are addressed through techniques and exercises that center around the individual’s
purpose in life and developing a direction for everyday living.
2. Nutrition and Health
This program is divided into three
areas:
- Educational
- Nutritional Meals
- Health Check-ups
In conjunction with nutrition, health screenings are a necessary part of the
seniors program. With the aid of the agency residential and nursing staff, areas such as blood pressure, pulse, temperature,
personal hygiene and special health concerns are monitored regularly.
A substantial nutritional diet is essential to everyone,
especially elderly individuals, to maintain and develop a healthy body and attitude. If elderly individuals do not receive a
well-balanced, nutritional diet, they deteriorate both physically and mentally. With the direction of the agency dietary staff,
careful observation must be kept to insure that proper foods are eaten daily.
3. Physical Fitness Development
To improve
and/or maintain the present level of physical fitness, including cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and strength, this program
emphasizes using active joints and muscles on a daily basis. The objective of physical fitness program segment addresses the
physical activity necessary to perform everyday functional tasks, such as climbing steps, walking, dressing and undressing, rising
from a seated position, stooping or bending, entering and exiting a vehicle, etc.
Through a structured program design of therapeutic
exercise, recreational activities and aquatic therapy, physical fitness in the areas of muscular strength, conditioning and endurance,
motor skill coordination, flexibility of the joints, and relaxation training are accomplished.
4. Activities of Daily Living
Functional,
age-appropriate activities for program participants are a major component of the Seniors Program. They provide a meaningful
way for the individual to develop and express his/her interests, become involved in productive activities, and provide a sense of
pride and accomplishment, while being an important part of a social group.
The key concept that a small group strategy encourages
a sense of “belonging” is implemented, whether the individual chooses active or passive participation. Sensory stimulation —
the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of all program activities — is an experience shared by all participants.
In a broader sense,
belonging to the community is also a vital part of one’s activities of daily living. Community-based outings are regularly scheduled
for social integration activities: dining out, shopping, sightseeing, museum visits, concerts, picnics, fairs, festivals, etc.
Representatives from an array of community organizations are invited to the program to provide instruction, education and resources
in various areas of interest as identified by the participants.
New Avenues to Independence meets the challenge of building,
enriching and continuously improving its Seniors Day Activity Program for those with disabilities by designing activities that respect
the participant’s age, interests and dignity. To be effective, activities must fulfill the participant’s needs, give them self-respect,
a feeling of being useful, and offer them learning experiences.
For additional information, contact Chris.
17608 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44112
(216) 481-1907
Thomas M. Lewins
Executive Director
2010 Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Bruce Sherman, Ph.D.
President
Jonathon
Good, Esq.
Vice President
Bob Angart
Treasurer
Donald Petrash
Secretary
Michael Primrose
Non-Officer Representative
Directors
Edward
A. Boehmer
Joyce Bresler
Ronald Henderson, Esq.
Daniel Koster
Ken Light
Brian Mackert
Joan Potiker
Director
Emeritus