A painting by River Valley member Margaret Johnson that portrays her childhood home in Kansas is prominently displayed at the club.“We have some great artists, such as Margaret,” said Lee. “Some clients have experience with the arts, for others it was the first time they picked up a brush” discovering that art could become a new hobby.Lee said that the present River Valley Club schedule is 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, but in April the hours will be expanded to 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Broadening the entertainment offered to guests is also planned noted Lee.The River Valley Club is “really here to help the community,” offering respite for caregivers and something “fun and different” for those who visit the clubhouse said Lee.The program is designed for people 60 years or older who may be housebound and/or need assistance in regaining or maintaining daily living skills, or who are physically, mentally or socially impaired.River Club participants should be able to feed themselves with a minimum of assistance, must refrain from disruptive behavior or prohibit others from enjoying the program and be able to administer their own medication with a reminder.Lee said that club is for those not needing skilled nursing care who can tend to their own toileting and be able to walk or be transferred with minimal assistance from mobility aids such as a wheelchair or walker.The staff is cheerful, eager to offer assistance and bilingual.For more information on the River Valley Club, created by Santa Clara Valley Hospice/Home Support Group, call 525-5808.
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Cookies decorated with St. Patrick’s Day green icing and sprinkles, original artworks, flowers, a hot boneless pork lunch and sociable seniors were much in evidence last week at the River Valley Club. The nonprofit and licensed adult day program - headquartered in the recreation area of El Buen Pastor Methodist Church - is for seniors who need some assistance with daily living, perhaps help with their medications and some important time to share what is going on in their lives. Photo by Brian D. Wilson |
River Valley Club: Interaction and friendship offered at adult day program
March 21, 2007
Santa Paula News
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula TimesCookies decorated with St. Patrick’s Day green icing and sprinkles, original artworks, flowers, a hot boneless pork lunch and sociable seniors were much in evidence last week at the River Valley Club.The nonprofit and licensed adult day program - headquartered in the recreation area of El Buen Pastor Methodist Church - is for seniors who need some assistance with daily living, perhaps help with their medications and some important time to share what is going on in their lives.“We’ve been averaging about six visitors a day,” including residents of Fillmore said Club Executive Director Catherine Lee as guests who had been chatting in a seating area were called for a hot, nutritious lunch.“It’s been nice too...we had a longtime Santa Paula lady who owned a restaurant,” who was reunited with many friends at the club.Lee said that volunteers pickup the hot lunches from the Senior Center and snacks and goodies are available all day.Opened August 30, the River Valley Club features an atmosphere of “doing” from arts and crafts to the art of conversation and visiting.Jean Dyer said that it was her first visit to the River Valley Club and “so far, so good!”“Socializing is fun, everyone enjoys the hot food and they are able to get out of the house and visit with old friends and new friends...they really get caught up and enjoy seeing people,” who they have lost touch with, said Lee.Membership in the River Valley Club is free the first month - “It gives people an opportunity to stick their toe in the water and see what it’s all about,” said Lee - and then only $25 a day.Those in need may qualify for scholarships she noted.Samantha Frady is the club’s visiting artist teaching club members fine arts.
