Day care isn't just for kids. Adults are also finding the joy of getting out, being social and active, improving memory and giving caregivers a break.
Adult day care programs are available in Penticton and the South Okanagan, providing assistance to clients and their caregivers.
In Penticton, two adult day care programs are operating, one at Good Samaritan Village by the Station Monday to Friday and at Trinity Care Centre on Wednesdays.
The programs begin with coffee and tea and social time, games, lunch together and an exercise component.
鈥淓ach program is a little bit different, and we try to tailor the activities to each group,鈥� said Kara Kozuki, adult day program coordinator for the South Okanagan.
She said clients tend to be older and some have dementia, but younger individuals also attend.
Those in the programs must be 19 or older and must have a referral from an Interior Health care manager.
Myrtle Pohlman has been in the Trinity adult day care program since 2024 and while she was reluctant at first, she now appreciates the experience.
鈥淚t鈥檚 the best darn place I鈥檝e been, and we have a lot of fun,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a chance to be yourself and do what you鈥檝e always done.鈥�
The program at Trinity can accommodate up to eight clients.
鈥淚 like it because she looks forward to it,鈥� said her daughter Christine Prior. 鈥淭his is the perfect size for her.鈥�
Richard King has been attending adult day programs in Penticton for more than two years, at Trinity and at Good Samaritan Village.
His wife Margaret King said the program has helped them both.
鈥淭he adult day program gives me a chance to make appointments,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a set time so I can take the car in to get the tires changed, I can go to the doctor or meet a friend for coffee. It gives me free time to do things I need to do.鈥�
Brian Drew has been attending the program five days a week.
鈥淏rian鈥檚 so much more social now. The adult day program has really drawn him out of himself, and his memory鈥檚 improved. People should give it a try,鈥� said his wife Glenda Drew.
Kozuki said the program can also help caregivers of those with needs.
鈥淭heir health and wellbeing are also so important and the day program gives us a chance to see how they鈥檙e doing as well,鈥� she said.
There are seven adult day programs available in communities across the South Okanagan region. Clients and caregivers interested in accessing the program should speak to their care manager or call 1-800-707-8550.