HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Caring for an aging loved one is a 24/7 job, often without breaks. As we celebrate National Caregiver's Month, Hillsborough County leaders want to remind you of the services they offer for our seniors.
Adult day care is one of those services and it's an opportunity for caregivers to get a few hours a day to take care of themselves.
Each morning at the Bloomingdale Adult Day Center begins with the Pledge of Allegiance. Then, it's time for some chair exercising. Christine West is the center manager and also a case manager for the county.
"We are here for the families who don't want to put their loved ones in a skilled facility or an assisted living facility," West said. "We give them the option of bringing them here during the weekdays and they can go do work. They can get errands done, housekeeping. It kind of gives them a break as well from care."
Tekesha Crowell has been caring for her mom for the past 3 years. She brings her here 3 days a week.
"She loves playing bingo here, she loves socializing," Crowell said. "She has dementia so she doesn't always remember what happens here, but in the mornings when I get her up and tell her she's coming to daycare, she gets extremely happy."
Not only is it a break for caregivers, but West says it's a nice way to get a loved one into a different environment.
"It provides the social interaction even if they have cognitive issues, still they can interact. They have the physical games like the bocce ball, the volleyball, the bowling, outdoor walking to help just get them through the day and get them out of the house," West said.
It's a place where Tenesha knows her mom is safe and happy. "I know that they love her here. She loves being here. I know that when she's here she's in great hands," she said.
Hillsborough County is holding a caregiver workshop on Saturday, Nov. 18, at its newest senior center in Wimauma. It's a great opportunity to meet others and find out what types of senior services are offered throughout the county. Click here for more information on the event.