CHICOPEE — The Center for Human Development recently opened a unique Adult Social Day program in Chicopee designed to support and engage adults living with cognitive impairment.
Founded in 1972, CHD is a nonprofit organization providing a broad range of high quality, community-oriented human services to 25,000 children, adolescents, adults, and families each year. The organization is dedicated to promoting, enhancing and protecting the dignity and welfare of people in need.
As the rate of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia continues to grow in an aging population, CHD’s Adult Social Day program provides specialized care for individuals who need support with everyday life but are capable of handling many daily tasks and functions unassisted.
CHD Adult Day Services Director Audrey Monroe said she is “optimistic that this program will fill a gap in community services for those with cognitive impairment.”
The program gives a break to caregivers who require full-time help for their loved ones during the workweek.
Operating from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, the program offers families the time to go about their busy lives knowing that their relatives are safe and secure.
CHD’s Adult Social Day program provides an alternative for those who cannot take part in activities at a traditional community “senior center” due to cognitive decline and transportation barriers.
Monroe stated, “It will provide more options for individuals, their families and service providers. This program will benefit the lives of the people that attend our program by enabling them to be happier, healthier, and remain in their community longer.”
The new CHD program’s recreational and social activities will engage the mind, body and spirit by promoting mental and physical well-being, reducing isolation and providing opportunities for social interaction.
Monroe pointed out recent data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging indicating that 34% of older adults reported feeling some degree of loneliness in the past year.
“I often hear from family members that their parent is lonely and wants to be around others,” she said, “The social connection is the first thing they are concerned with, along with a safe place for their parent to go for the day while they themselves can work or have some respite time,” Monroe explained.
According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community, wider social networks and more frequent social engagements are associated with better cognitive function among older adults.
CHD Clinical Director of Day Services Rebecca Kessler said that people who attend the program “won’t necessarily see a slowdown in the progression of their disease, but they could ultimately see a positive shift in their quality of life.”
CHD also operates Hawthorn Adult Day Health programs in Springfield and West Springfield, which provide social activities as well as comprehensive health services, including daily management of medical needs for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities.
CHD’s Adult Social Day program differs from ADH in that it caters to adults with milder cognitive impairment and doesn’t provide medication, administration, oversight, or help with such daily living tasks as dressing, bathing and toileting.
Monroe said that the Adult Social Day program is an affordable alternative to home care, pointing out that the average privately paid in-home caregiver charges up to $40 an hour, whereas the Adult Social Day program charges $60 for a six-hour day.
CHD’s Adult Social Day program is located at 93 Main St. in Chicopee. Transportation is available to those individuals enrolled and living in surrounding areas. Two snacks and a nutritious meal are served every day.
For more information, to make an inquiry, or to schedule a tour, readers can visit chd.org/socialday or call 413-426-0989.
Monroe stated, “CHD has many day programs and has staff that have over 20 years of experience in this field. We are looking forward to working with this population and the providing them with a stimulating, enriching program.”
