The center is located on the first floor of an apartment building for low-income seniors. The surrounding neighborhood is quiet, although it’s just a few blocks from the intersection of Hollywood and Vine. Since many participants live in the building, the program is just an elevator ride away! For others, the facility provides comfortable vans and buses to transport them to and from their homes. A hair salon and a restaurant are both located in the building. The programming focuses on Russian-speaking seniors suffering from physical, mental and emotional impairments. The Russian-speaking staff members monitor vital signs daily—and provide physical and occupational therapies as advised by the participants’ doctors. The interior décor is very tasteful and homelike. Walls are decorated with paintings and participants’ photographs. Round four-person dining tables are topped by lace tablecloths, and fish swim around the aquarium. Adjacent to the dining area is a lounge with soft couches and a big-screen TV. A large green patio runs alongside the back of the building. During our tour, we noted how jovial participants were—they all seem to be very close friends. Staff members were very pleasant and friendly, providing caring supervision and encouraging participants to join and stay focused in activities. Everyone at Silver Wisdom Adult Day Health Care Center sings the praises of the participant-led choir! Arts and crafts activities are also popular, with many participants having a “darn” good time in the knitting and crocheting club. Local attractions and the beach draw the occasional field trips. Twice weekly, a picnic and a walk take place in the local park. Support groups and current events discussions round out the offerings.
