Advocate Condell to end pioneering adult day care program

What has been described as a pioneering adult day care program at Advocate Condell Medical Center is ending next month after 23 years.

The program opened in 1992 for older adults who need supervision or clinical care and may include participants with dementia, for example. It was introduced as part an the intergenerational day care program, which provides supervision for children 6 weeks old through kindergarten age.

While held separately, the two generations at times would meet in the same room for reading, games or other activities, said Christine Vicik, spokeswoman for Advocate Condell in Libertyville.

The program for children will remain, but the adult segment will close Nov. 20 because of declining participation and the need for more intensive services for those who remain, Vicik said.

"It was a difficult decision," she said. Participation has declined to around 11 to 15 people, she said, but she did not know the size of the program at its peak.

The programs are housed near the conference center. The kids' section includes a gym and classroom, while the adult venue features a living room-like atmosphere with a fireplace and separate eating area. The intergenerational concept was "very pioneering" when it opened, Vicik said. The program provides stimulation and supervision for older adults, she said.

Lindenhurst resident Lorri Edwards, a retired special education teacher who volunteers to bring her therapy dachshund, Anna, to the facility twice a month, said she has enjoyed working with the program.

"It's so much joy to watch the interaction. It's such a wonderful feeling," Edwards said.

Participants and their families were informed in late August, and Advocate Condell has been working with them to find an alternative, officials said.

"We have worked with each of the families to provide them with referrals to other programs in the community," Vicik said.

A session to help in the transition is planned for Oct. 12.

Edwards said she will increase her visits to once a week until the program ends.

"We'll miss them a lot," she said.