Member Profile: Bernard D.

When visitors walk into Park Slope Geriatric Day Center’s physically frail program at 14th Street, they are likely to see any number of activities going on: music, dancing, yoga, arts and crafts, or trivia. But most days, no matter what’s going on, you won’t be able to miss Bernard working furiously on a handloom, making beautiful weavings with a smile on his face. Bernard has been a familiar face at the Center for more than a decade and like every client who attends the program the story of how he ended up at PSGDC is a unique and interesting one.

Bernard was born near Buffalo and lived there until he entered the Navy at age 17. Bernard served two different tours from 1943-1946 and 1947-1951. He was a naval gunner and served in Japan and the South Pacific. After his time in the Navy, he returned to New York, this time moving to Brooklyn. He worked with his hands for many years in tile and machine factories. He also married and had a son, David.

In the mid-1960’s Bernard’s vision started failing, making it difficult to work in his factory job. He retired nearly 40 years ago, which left him with a lot more free time than he was used to. Bernard lives alone and although he is able to be very independent, he felt he was missing out on opportunities to socialize with other people and needed to get more regular activity.

Bernard heard about Park Slope Geriatric Day Center from neighbors and people in the community at a time when he was looking for activity. With encouragement from his caseworker, he finally decided to try out the program more than 10 years ago, and he’s been attending three days a week ever since.

Bernard reports that his favorite activity at the center is his fabric weaving, an activity at which he has become particularly skilled. One of the advantages of this project is that Bernard is able to continue to use his hands, as he did in his career, but now he uses them to create beautiful art projects. Bernard has made some intricate wall hangings and placemats that are on display throughout our 14th Street Center. Program staff sets up his handloom and provides materials, and Bernard is able to complete the projects with little assistance even though his vision is severely limited. His projects brighten up the program and allow Bernard to share his gifts with other clients.

Bernard has seen many changes at PSGDC over his years at the center. The agency has expanded its programs, added our dementia program at Prospect Park West, and increased our staff and office space. Bernard has also seen the program grow from 1-2 participants a day to 15-20. He enjoys the larger program and also the musical activities. Last year he participated in a group of clients who met weekly to discuss and share their favorite music with each other. Listening to music is one of the hobbies he can enjoy even with his vision difficulties.

Bernard has made many friends at PSGDC over the years and values the relationships he has with both staff and clients. He enjoys spending time with his peers and appreciates the physical activity he gets while at the center. When asked what he has gotten out of the coming to PSGDC all these years he replied that otherwise he “would go crazy at home. Watching TV is no replacement for coming out and seeing people.”

— By Jordan Farmer,
Director of Adult Day Services