Caring for a loved one can be very rewarding, but finding time each week to run errands or go shopping may be a challenge. At Shell Point, the Hope Care Center—an adult day health care program coordinated by Hope HealthCare Services—is the ideal solution for caregivers who could benefit from having a place to take their loved one for a few hours of activity and socialization during the week.
The program offers care to individuals of all ability levels, including those with speech impairment, limited mobility, memory deficiency, incontinence, and other unique needs. Hope’s team of professionals lead therapeutic social and health activities, including light exercise sessions for strength and balance, games, gardening, art, music, pet therapy, and rest periods. Nutritious meals and snacks are also available.
“Individual care programs are based on each person’s interests, hobbies and career history, so that daily activities can be customized,” said Sue Stilson, Director of Hope’s Adult Day Health Program.
Hope opened the program at Shell Point last year, and it steadily gained popularity among independent living caregivers in the community.
Barbara Cox, who moved to Shell Point with her husband Bill in 2002, has been his caregiver since 2007. She takes advantage of the program by bringing Bill to the Center when she has appointments with her physician or needs to go grocery shopping. “I appreciate the flexibility,” she said, adding that Bill looks forward to seeing the others in the group.
Likewise, Bonnie and Glen Aspinwall, Shell Point residents since 2009, have the highest praise for the program. They affectionately call it “The Club” because of the camaraderie that develops among the participants.
“Having the Club is a marvelous benefit,” said Bonnie, who brings Glen each week. “I now have some time to take care of errands or call my sister,” she said, before quickly pointing out another important aspect of the program: “It gives him some independence from me!”
The Hope Care Center at Shell Point operates Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. near the rear entrance to The Pavilion at Shell Point. Half days of care are $45, and a full day is $80. Hourly plans are also available. A set schedule is not required, but participants must be pre-registered.
For more information, call (855) 454-3102 or visit www.HopeHCS.org/AdultDayHealth. Hope HealthCare Services offers similar services on Winkler Avenue in Fort Myers and on Livingston Road in Naples.
Shell Point Retirement Community is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers just off Summerlin Road and McGregor Boulevard, two miles before the Sanibel causeway. Shell Point has received national accreditation from CARF-CCAC, and is a nationally recognized leader in the retirement industry. The community offers retirement living in a resort-style environment with an 18-hole championship golf course that is open to the public, deep water boating access with free boat dockage, and recreational and fitness facilities. To learn more about Shell Point, visit us at www.shellpoint.org or call 1-800-780-1131.
