IRVINE : A Healthy Alternative for Seniors

The Irvine Adult Day Health Center, which opened Monday next door to the city’s new senior center, is part recreation hall, part medical clinic and part restaurant.

It is designed to provide medical services as well as health education, social activities and meals for frail seniors and disabled adults who live in the community.

For some clients who suffer from chronic ailments such as arthritis or Alzheimer’s disease, the center could mean the difference between living at home with relatives or being institutionalized at a nursing home or hospital, center officials said.

“We are trying to prevent unnecessary hospitalization and nursing home placement,” said Carol Quintana, executive director of the facility. “We offer the support services and medical services they need in order to stay healthy and active.”

The center, which was funded with a combination of private donations and city money, can accommodate as many as 60 clients at one time.

Quintana said about 20 people are enrolled so far and another 20 are having their applications reviewed.

The center’s long-awaited opening was hailed Monday by local seniors. Ethel Coplen, an Irvine senior citizens activist, said the center will help one friend who cares for her nearly blind mother.

“This is going to be wonderful because she can drop (the mother) off at 9 and pick her up at 5,” Coplen said. “Right now, she’s on 24-hour duty because her mother can’t be left alone.”

Though its proximity to the Lakeview Senior Center is bound to attract many elderly visitors, the health center is open to all adults, including younger people with disabling medical conditions.

The center employs a full-time registered nurse as well as social workers, a physical therapist, an activities coordinator and a psychologist.

The staff works with clients’ doctors to work out personalized medical plans that might include psychological counseling, speech or physical therapy and mild exercise, Quintana said.

In between these medical sessions, the visitors can take part in a variety of activities, including arts-and-crafts classes, nutrition lectures and dance lessons.

“We have the best of both worlds,” Quintana said. “People can enjoy all our activities while they get all the medical services they need.”

The center puts a premium on keeping clients involved and entertained, Quintana added.

“We try to keep things moving all day,” she said. “We want to create a social setting where they can be with their friends and peers.”

The 5,600-square-foot center includes health offices, conference rooms and a dining area.

Center services are covered by MediCal as well as many private insurance policies.

The base rate is $55 per visit, but the center can provide scholarships to people who cannot afford to pay the full price.