Q: All About Us!
We are among the 1st Adult Day Health Services Facilities in New Jersey that provides a Dual Program in Holistic Setting—a program for seniors with Alzheimer’s/dementia (AD program) and a program for adults with Developmental, Cognitive, and Physical Disabilities (DD program). There are other facilities that provide services for seniors and adults along with others within the same program. We are different! Although we are open to all, we have created an environment and special programs that will benefit the niche community described above. In addition to the services we provide, our special programs encompass the following:
Alzheimer’s/Dementia Program:
- Option for a whole food plant-based diet
- Alternative transition to whole food plant-based diet
- Take Food Home plan (additional cost for those that are on the Half-Day program)
- Multi-Level Exercise Programs for various functioning levels conducted by specialized staff
- Yoga, Meditation, Reiki, and other stress-reduction activities
- Social activities, both in-house and field trips
- Mentally stimulating activities
- Counseling for both client and caregiver
- Weekend support groups for caregivers and clients
Developmental Disabilities Program:
- Customized plan based on acuity
- Life skills training
- Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy
- Social skills development
- Help with Activities of Daily Living (ADL)
- Referral to Vocational training
- Referral to Employment services
Q: What should I expect once I get to Dawn to Dusk Wellbeing Center?
As a part of Dawn to Dusk Wellbeing Center’s 1-Our™ offering, for the first hour after you get here, we work with you to get you settled and prepared for the day (refer to our daily schedule of events). It is our promise to adhere to Principle E and provide you with an Environment that is Homelike.
Q: What kind of activities do you provide at the facility?
Whether it is outdoors or indoors, at Dawn to Dusk Wellbeing Center, we provide mentally and physically stimulating activities. In accordance with Principle R—Re-Train Body and Mind, below is a small sample of what you can expect:
- Tai-chi
- Yoga
- Motivational and Inspirational talks
- Reiki sessions,
- Bingo
- Musical Chairs
- Arts and Crafts
- Karaoke
- Singing
- Shows and Performances
- Dancing
- 70s Day
- Movie-Days
- And many more
Q: What kind of meals will be served at the facility and when?
We will serve breakfast at 8:00 AM, a light snack at 10:00 AM, lunch at 12:00 PM (and for those in the Full-Day Program, dinner at 5 PM). We will serve nutritious and healthy foods, with options to select from. It is our promise to adhere to Principle O and only Serve Organic and Real Food.
Q: What kind of medical care can you expect at the facility?
Upon arrival, we check vitals and provide any other health monitoring service as needed (e.g., blood sugar check, blood pressure, temperature). It is critical for our staff to be as familiar as possible with the health histories and current health condition of all our clients. At your request, our nurses can serve medication as prescribed by the doctor. At Dawn to Dusk Wellbeing Center, we also offer Occupational and Speech Therapy as an extra service provided by 3rd-party providers. Lastly, at your request, we can provide to-from transportation for doctor and dentist visits. If there are specific health or medical needs, you should discuss with our Director of Nursing who may be able to prescribe a customized plan. Whatever it is, you can always expect us to adhere to Principle C—Serve with Compassion with Passion.
Q: Who is eligible for the program?
The program is available to adults of all ages who reside in the community and meet the eligibility criteria for admission. All clients must receive prior authorization from their Managed Care Program/HMO unless they are a private pay client.
Q: What are the costs of the program?
If you have Medicaid, there will be absolutely no cost to you for any of our services, not even for our meals or transportation. If you are a private pay client, then a fee schedule will be given to you but you pay only one amount no matter how many services you receive. We also offer a discounted monthly package that must be paid for upfront by private pay clients that is more economical than paying on a daily basis.
Q: How do I become a client?
By contacting our Admissions Department, you will speak to a staff member who will assist you with the admissions process and answer any questions that you may have regarding your participation in the program. The admissions staff member will assist you in completing our admissions application and will arrange for a visit so you can see the program to ask further questions.
Q: What is Prior Authorization?
All clients that have Medicaid must meet certain medical criteria to attend any Adult Medical Day Care Program. When you complete an application to the program, we will send a form with your History and Physical medical information to your provider. They will review your application, come and assess you either at home or at the center and will decide if you medically qualify for the program. Once they approve the application, the program can admit you as a client. If you are enrolled in another program and wish to transfer to our center, we will contact the center you attend to inform them of your request. You will write a letter to request a transfer and we will send it for approval. Prior Authorization is not a requirement if you are a private pay client.
Q: How long does the Admission Process take?
You can come to our center for two days as a visitor. You will let us know if you want to join our program. We will fill out various forms and give you a History and Physical Form to give to your Primary Care Physician to fill out. On the third day visit, you will have obtained a completed History and Physical from your Primary Care physician with all your medical information. You will then go through the Admission Process. Each Department beginning with the Nurse will meet with you to fill out various forms. We will send in your History and Physical to your Managed Care Provider and wait for them to assess you and approve you. However, while we wait for this decision of approval, you may attend the program and take advantage of all of our services.
Q: How is transportation provided?
We have own vans and drivers. Our luxury vans ensure your safe transportation. Our drivers receive special training so that they can provide you with the best service. They will pick you up at your home and take you back home at the end of the day.
Q: Will you provide transportation to medical appointments?
Yes, just let us know in advance and we will take you to your appointments and then pick you afterward.
Q: What medical professionals are on staff?
Our program has professional nurses, a medical doctor who is our medical director, and personal care nursing attendants. We also have on-site consulting medical and health care professionals who work directly with our clients. These consultants include medical doctors, pharmacist, podiatrist, dietitian, physical therapist, and optometrist. We also work closely with other medical professionals in the community to make sure that you are provided with the best health care possible.
Q: Do I have to change my doctors?
No, you will keep all of your doctors and we will communicate with them. They can give us orders for Nursing Care. We work very hard to make sure that we coordinate with your own primary doctor.
Q: What if I need to go to the pharmacy to fill a prescription?
We work with a local pharmacy and will have your prescription filled and delivered right to the
program each day.
program each day.
Q: What happens if I need help to get to the bathroom or to move about?
Our personal care nursing attendants are trained to assist you with your toileting needs and all of our staff is trained to help you as you move about the program. Our attendants are available to you all day to assist you with all your ADL (Activities of Daily Living) needs, which include, bathing, grooming, dressing, cleaning up, eating, transporting, ambulation, toileting, etc., and any special needs which you may have.
Q: What happens if I need therapy?
If your own doctor or our doctor decides that you may benefit from Physical Therapy we will arrange for you to receive therapy from a professional establishment. If you choose so, we could take you for Physical Therapy right next door. If you need speech or occupational therapy, we have space allocated within our facility where we can bring a professional therapist for you.
Q: Do you assist with personal problems I may be having, like housing?
Yes, our Social Workers can work with you and your family to assist you with any problems which you may be having. This may include assistance with housing, dealing with Social Services and Medicaid, food stamp assistance, and more. Our Social Workers are also available to assist you and your family with personal problems which you may need to discuss.
Q: Do you provide meals?
Yes, at least two nutritious healthy meals prepared fresh on the premises. The clients never go hungry, and our meals are designed nutritionally by our dietitian and made by an exclusive caterer for good taste, cultural appeal and a variety of traditional foods.
Q: Do you provide special diets?
Yes, our trained professionals work under the supervision of a dietitian who will arrange any special diet that you may need. Our goal is to keep you healthy and your diet is an important part of that goal. We can accommodate individuals who require soft foods, renal diets, and diabetic diets.