Lighthouse Guild’s GuildCare Adult Day Health Care Program: Specialized Care for People with Vision Loss

Posted by Bronx Times by Jeremy Morak

One area of healthcare that was significantly hindered by the pandemic was Adult Day Healthcare (ADHC) programs. However, this vital service is once again a viable option for families in the New York City area.

Adult Day Health Care is a community-based long-term care program that provides comprehensive health care services in a congregate day setting. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) roughly 4,200 ADHC centers in the US serve approximately 250,000 individuals on any given day. One unique Adult Day Program is Lighthouse Guild’s GuildCare – the only ADHC program in New York State that specializes in care for people with functional vision problems among other health conditions.

The Perfect Option for Care
If you or your loved one need daily medical services and social interaction, then GuildCare is the perfect option. With centers in New York City, Albany, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls, GuildCare offers a safe, comfortable, and attentive environment for you or your loved one. Services are available to adults ages 18 and older who have been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and likely need assistance with the activities of everyday living. Services are covered by Medicaid or managed health plans. GuildCare is an excellent alternative to a nursing home, since it offers the necessary care, but enables the individual to live in their home.

Meet Juan
Juan has been coming to GuildCare Adult Day Health Care program for twenty years. He is 73 years old and has Glaucoma. Juan’s vision slowly got worse, and he became blind. He shares that when he started coming to the GuildCare program, his life changed – it made him feel better because he could socialize with others, listen to music, participate in recreational therapy, and
has made many friends. Juan says, ‘I tell other people that this place is my second home.”

The GuildCare Adult Day Health Care program takes care of everything, including nursing, medication management, two daily meals, physical, occupational and speech therapy, therapeutic activities, vision rehabilitation services, social work, and nutrition counseling. Some of the special annual events provided by Lighthouse Guild’s GuildCare centers include a Hawaiian-themed luau, a July 4th ‘Cook-In,” and seasonal holiday celebrations.

For GuildCare members, the ADHC serves as a bastion of community, safety, and comfort. Pat Rincon, Director of Manhattan GuildCare, knows how important this program is to its members, ‘The clients spoke about the loneliness and isolation that they felt when they were home due to the pandemic, and looked forward to returning once it was safe to reopen. Our program enables them to remain in their communities and, for many, avoid long-term placement.”

Giving Peace of Mind to Families and Caregivers
Director Rincon noted how equally important GuildCare is for families and caregivers, ‘Caring for an elderly or a chronically ill family member can be very difficult and overwhelming. Not only do you have to attend to that family member’s personal and medical needs, but you need to tend to your own life.

When a member comes to GuildCare during the day, the caregiver can take a break from the large responsibility of caring for them. They get the chance to decompress and decrease their stress. They can continue their regular routine, knowing that their family member is well-cared for here.”

Immediate Openings
GuildCare programs in Manhattan, Niagara
Falls, Buffalo, and Albany have immediate openings. GuildCare teams are ready to provide you or your loved one with the daily care that meets medical and social needs. For more information, or to schedule a tour, click here.

Jeremy Morak is a Marketing Manager at Lighthouse Guild.