Senior Spotlight: Adult Day at The J
Located within the Jewish Community Center in Creve Coeur (the J), Adult Day at the J (ADJ) is a “hidden gem.”
For more than 40 years, ADJ has been providing quality programming for seniors and younger adults with cognitive and physical impairments. Our team is dedicated to specialized programming that aims to promote cognitive, physical, and social stimulation while also encouraging individual growth in an inclusive and supportive environment.
The ADJ offers two unique tracks, IN and CONNECTIONS, which are expressly designed to assist participants with achieving individualized goals in a group setting. Offering a broad range of activities throughout the day, CONNECTIONS operates primarily within the ADJ facility, while IN programming expands throughout the J’s Staenberg Family Complex and the community. In addition to the benefits experienced by our participants, our services provide critical respite and peace of mind for caregivers and families.
Key Features include:
• Recreation and Therapeutic Activities (Horticulture Therapy, Music Therapy, Pet Therapy, Modified Sports, Social events, Reminiscence Activities, and so much more!)
• On-site Nurse Health Management and Care Planning Services
• Door-to-door Escorted Transportation
• Kosher, Nutritious Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Snack)
• Licensed by the State of Missouri
• Funded by VA, Medicaid, Dept. Mental Health, Aging Ahead
On March 18th, ADJ temporarily suspended onsite programming due to COVID-19, but our staff remained steadfast with our commitment to continue serving our families.
Over the course of our 11-week closure, our ADJ team worked tirelessly to engage, connect with, and continue supporting our participants and families each and every day. Whether through direct connections, virtual programming, or case management to set up outside services we have worked tirelessly to ensure that each of our participants have received the support and services they need.
ADJ reopened its doors on June 8th and, although, in a very different environment, we have been able to bring individuals back to onsite programming here at the J. We started with a small group of 6 and have continually added more participants each week. We are now averaging around 23 participants a day. Meanwhile, we are also still providing virtual programs and support to those remaining at home. We are facilitating live streaming of our onsite programs and activities as a means for reconnecting both onsite and at-home participants with one another.
But we didn’t stop with ADJ participant-focused services, our Growing Together Horticulture Therapy project has remained active to support others in our community. Utilizing our indoor/outdoor hydroponic Tower Garden systems, our staff has harvested over 80lbs of fresh produce including lettuce, collards, spinach, kale, and herbs. A portion of this produce is incorporated into our Kitchen J home meal deliveries for homebound seniors, and the rest of each harvest is donated to the Harvey Kornblum Food Pantry each week. Our Kitchen J meal program has delivered over 4,500 meals to homebound seniors over the past 18 weeks.
The St. Louis J community has so much to offer. With 2 convenient locations, Creve Coeur and Chesterfield, the excellent programming and state-of-the-art facilities make the J the first choice in gyms and community centers for families, young adults, seniors, and more. From our amazing fitness and aquatic centers to our recreational sports programs, we aim to impress our members by providing the best selection and experience.
Guest Article submitted by: Kristen Conard
Assistant Director- Connections & IN Program
Programs of Adult Day at the J
(p) 314-442-3261
(f) 314-872-7189
kconard@jccstl.org
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