Episode 121: The Importance of Adult Daycare Centers with Jackie Smiertka

Jackie Smiertka, the owner of Quality of Life Adult Daycare Health Care Center, shares her journey of opening an adult daycare center and the importance of providing purpose and meaning to individuals as they age. She emphasizes the need for a medical model daycare that offers both medical care and engaging activities. Jackie also discusses the challenges faced by caregivers and the importance of providing them with a break and social interaction. She provides insights for individuals looking for a daycare center, highlighting the importance of finding a center that offers meaningful activities and individualized care. The conversation explores the benefits and unique aspects of the Birdhouse Project, a daycare center for individuals with dementia. The social model of the center emphasizes group activities and giving individuals a sense of purpose. The center provides choices and autonomy to its participants, allowing them to make decisions and engage in enjoyable activities. The center also focuses on holistic care, advocating for the physical and mental well-being of its participants. The conversation touches on the importance of early intervention and the positive impact the center has on the longevity and mental sharpness of individuals with dementia. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the challenges of finding quality daycare centers and the importance of having conversations with loved ones about the need for respite care. Listen now to learn more!

To learn more about Jackie, view the information below: 

Jacquelyn K. Smiertka, RN, Center Director

The Quality of Life Adult Day Health Care Services Center

3252 University Drive, Ste. 140

Auburn Hills, MI 48326

Phone: 248-364-4064

website:  http://www.qualityoflifecenter.net/index.html

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/p/Quality-of-Life-Adult-Day-Healthcare-Center-100063594492637/

Takeaways

Adult daycare centers can provide purpose and meaning to individuals as they age.

A medical model daycare that offers medical care and engaging activities is important for the well-being of the participants.

Caregivers also need a break and social interaction to prevent burnout.

When choosing a daycare center, look for one that offers meaningful activities and individualized care. The Birdhouse Project is a unique daycare center for individuals with dementia that focuses on providing a sense of purpose and autonomy through group activities and choices.

The center emphasizes holistic care, advocating for the physical and mental well-being of its participants.

Early intervention and engagement in enjoyable activities can have a positive impact on the longevity and mental sharpness of individuals with dementia.

Finding quality daycare centers for individuals with dementia can be challenging, but it is important to have conversations with loved ones about the need for respite care.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Jackie Smiertka

01:38 Inspiration for Opening an Adult Daycare Center

06:12 Projects and Activities in the Daycare Center

08:58 Supporting Caregivers: The Need for Breaks and Social Interaction

11:54 The Impact of Isolation and Keeping Participants Busy

16:04 The Medical Model and In-Home Healthcare

23:35 The Birdhouse Project: Providing Purpose and Autonomy

29:14 Holistic Care and the Importance of Early Intervention

31:14 The Positive Impact of Engaging Activities

33:39 Challenges in Finding Quality Daycare Centers

Links

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This episode is sponsored by Retirement Researcher https://retirementresearcher.com/. Download their free eBook, 8 Tips to Becoming A Retirement Income Investor at retirementresearcher.com/8tip