Prime Time Adult Care Could Offer the Help You Need

By Lois Thomson

Do you know someone who could benefit from time spent in a social setting during the day? Or spent with people who could help with monitoring vitals or assisting with ambulation? Or could you, yourself, use a break from being a fulltime caregiver? Prime Time Adult Care could be the answer.

Located in Bethel Park, the facility offers adult day care, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. During that time, patrons can start their day with a social hour and light breakfast, then engage in activities that range from mentally stimulating games like bingo or trivia, physical games like bowling, modified exercise, or fun diversions such as arts and crafts and musical performances. Lunch is also included for a small additional fee.

In describing a typical day, Heather Deerfield, executive director, said, "Our focus is on person-centered wellness – the whole person – trying to make sure we're giving them a little bit of everything: physical activity, mental stimulation, and socialization. We make sure they're getting all-around care."

Executive Director Heather Deerfield said that in addition to veterans receiving financial assistance, Prime Time Adult Care has people who attend through long-term care insurance. "We also offer scholarships for those who need assistance. They can fill out a scholarship form, and if they meet the requirements we can help them. It's not a full pay, but we may pay half the fee." The charge for basic care is $66 per day, and $71 per day for advanced care.

That care includes having a nurse on staff five days a week who creates a care plan for each participant. "She checks vitals every month and looks at different areas to see how they're doing. It's an excellent way for us to help the families and caregivers by making sure they know what we see."

With that in mind, Deerfield said that while adults who take advantage of Prime Time Adult Care may attend five days a week, they are required to participate a minimum of two days per-week to ensure continuity of care. "It's very important for participants to have some type of schedule and structure, and attending at least two days a week is an effective way to create that structure." It is also a means for giving caregivers a break.

While Prime Time Adult Care is intended for adults 60-and-older, including those who struggle with dementia or Alzheimer's, Deerfield emphasized that, "It could be for something as simple as needing blood pressure monitored on a regular basis, or for those who have a hard time getting around and need someone who can help them get from one activity to another, or to the rest room."

Deerfield also talked about the benefits veterans may receive, saying the VA will usually cover the cost of a veteran to attend for at least two days, allowing that it only applies to the person and not the spouse, and it depends on the person's level of need. She added, "That assessment is determined by the VA and not Prime Time, and the VA can also decide to provide coverage for up to five days."

Prime Time Adult Care, located in Christ United Methodist Church in Bethel Park, started as a mission of the church in 1985. For more information, call (412) 835-6661 or visit www.primetimeadultcare.com.