News

Buffalo Residents Have a Home at GuildCare

September 18, 2024

Families in the Buffalo Niagara region searching for care and support for loved ones with vision loss, should know about the Lighthouse Guild’s program called GuildCare. GuildCare is the only community-based long term Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) program in New York state specializing in such care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are only 4,200 ADHC centers in the U.S. providing services to about 250,000 individuals daily.

GuildCare members range in age from 21 to 95 and have varying degrees of vision loss, in addition to other health conditions. Program participants receive two daily meals, as well as structured/therapeutic activities Monday through Friday. Activities include trivia, karaoke, Bingo, crafts, and other games. Members also enjoy community outings, picnics, baseball games, shopping, bowling, and ice cream trips. Participants receive speech, physical, and occupational therapy; nutrition counseling; medication management; and care from highly skilled visual impairment specialist. Support groups focus on mental health, traumatic brain injuries, and coping with vision loss.

Giving back to the community is another significant aspect of what happens at GuildCare. Members help Meals on Wheels and also make gift bags for The Ronald McDonald House. GuildCare Director Jamie Ridout works with her staff to cultivate an environment that accommodates the needs of individuals in the program, while also making it feel like home. Ridout looks forward to GuildCare’s annual talent show from September 15-21, at which time GuildCare will also be celebrating its 33rd Anniversary.

GuildCare centers are located in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Albany, and Manhattan. To learn more, visit www.lighthouseguild.org/healthcare-services/adult-day-health-careor call 716-885-8041.

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Lighthouse Guild is dedicated to providing exceptional services that inspire people who are visually impaired to attain their goals.