In January 21, 2004, I made a long overdue visit to the Park Slope Geriatric Day Center. I have served on the Board of Directors since 1991 and have been its Treasurer since 1994. Prior to that I was the social worker at the Prospect Hill Senior Services Center and saw up close what PSGDC was like in its early days, yet this was my first exposure to the current programs. The evolution has been remarkable!
  My day started at the 14th Street site. It was a frigid January morning as we waited for the buses to arrive, and on that day 11 people attended. The schedule included morning coffee, Yoga, a discussion group, game tournament, art class, and, of course, lunch. These hearty souls, who braved the ice and cold, had a full day of activities, the companionship of other members, and the care and concern of the staff.
  In addition to seeing the Adult Day Program, I met with Bethany Joseph, MSW, CSW, the Director of Client Services, and Lisa Bohmart, social worker for the Family Caregiver Project. Ms. Joseph explained the transportation program—a well-coordinated system, which brings people to either the 14th Street site, the 1 Prospect Park West (1 PPW) site, a doctor’s appointment or shopping. The vans travel almost the length and width of Brooklyn and are staffed with drivers and escorts.
  Lisa Bohmart leads ongoing support groups for caregivers, and she discussed the concerns of the participants: the demands of care-giving, the distress from watching loved ones change, and the conflicted emotions born of sorrow and loss. Despite the difficult topics, the support group is not sorrowful. The members speak a common language and are bound by common threads. The mutual concern and occasional comic relief go a long way to assisting each other in their arduous tasks.
  Then I boarded one of the red vans to the Prospect Park West site, which serves persons with cognitive impairments and Alzheimer’s disease. Luckily I arrived in time for lunch and was invited to share in a meal of baked chicken, macaroni and cheese, and broccoli. At $1.50 a plate, this is one of the better lunch bargains in New York.
  This site’s attendance rate, 29 on that day, is not as sensitive to weather changes. None of the members live alone, and their families or attendants are better able to help people get up and out safely. In fact, caregivers who must get to work depend on the Center to offer a safe and stimulating place for their loved ones every weekday.
  The afternoon’s entertainment was an accordionist and singer who had a full repertoire of standard and popular songs. The participants all appeared actively involved and were assisted by the staff, who maintain a warm and active presence in their days.
  As the afternoon proceeded, I was struck by the changes I’ve seen. PSGDC started with a two-person staff, and a handful of members and volunteers who would meet a few times a week. It is now a very prominent presence with two active sites, a transportation program, over 30 staff members, 40-50 participants, and a very well-respected position in the city, state, and national fields of Adult Day Services.
  Despite this extraordinary growth, the care, concern, and desire to deliver an exceptional service has not diminished. I am thankful to the staff and members for a delightful day.