Grandfriends Adult Day Program: Compassionate Care for Adults Living with Dementia

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Via! Community Center

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Grandfriends Adult Day Progam at Via

Posted on

Apr 24, 2025

Book/Edition

Alabama - Gulf Coast

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GrandFriends Adult Day Program: Compassionate Care for Adults Living with Dementia

The GrandFriends Adult Day Program, located at the Via Health, Fitness, and Enrichment Center, has provided a safe and engaging environment for adults living with dementia for the past 30 years. Our mission is to offer older adults who need supervision and daily care with opportunities to stay mentally and physically healthy. Participation in the program can often delay or prevent the need for placement in a nursing home.

Benefits of Adult Day Programs

Adult day programs play a vital role in maintaining health and independence by providing:

  • Enhanced Independence – Encourages self-sufficiency in a supportive environment.
  • Social Engagement – Stimulates alertness and activity through meaningful interactions.
  • Structured Activities – Creates a sense of routine and anticipation.
  • Physical Exercise – Helps reduce anxiety, improve stamina, enhance balance, and promote better sleep.


Support for Caregivers

Caring for a loved one with dementia while managing work and family responsibilities can be overwhelming. GrandFriends offers caregivers much-needed respite, ensuring their loved ones receive professional and compassionate care in a secure setting.

Program Expansion and Grant Support

In August 2024, Via was one of 21 recipients selected to receive grant funding from the Alzheimer’s Association Center for Dementia Respite Innovation (CDRI). This funding has allowed us to:

  • Expand Program Space – Providing a more comfortable and accommodating environment.
  • Hire Additional Staff – Ensuring a 1:4 caregiver-to-client ratio for personalized care.
  • Enhance Technology – Introducing smart boards for interactive experiences like movies, museum tours, virtual bird watching, chair yoga, and games.
  • Offer Individualized Programming – Tablets with specialized games and activities tailored to each participant’s needs.
  • Improve Transportation Services – Clients within a 15-mile radius can access transportation for $3 per one-way trip.


Program Details

  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM (accommodating caregiver work schedules).
  • Cost:
    • $55 per day (one day per week)
    • $50 per day (two or more days per week)

 

To schedule a tour and assessment for your loved one, contact:
Christy Harvison, GrandFriends Supervisor
📞 251-470-5228
📧 charvison@viamobile.org

"This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $6,607,011 with 75 percent funded by ACL/HHS and $1,620,872 with 25 percent funded by non-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government."

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Transportation 1717 Dauphin St, Mobile, Alabama, 36604

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