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Ann Queenan had the perfect prom experience Thursday. A live band played some of her favorite songs, the dance hall provided a beautiful waterfront view, and she even got to dance with a cute high school senior. Not bad for a septuagenarian. Queenan is a regular visitor at Grasmere by the Sea, along with hundreds of other active elderly folks from around the Fairfield area.
We have people as old as centenarians, and we have people in their 50s, Grasmere by the Sea executive director Michael Hebert said. We have a real range of people with varying needs.
Grasmere by the Sea is an adult day service, situated along Ash Creek on the Fairfield-Bridgeport border. It came into being two years ago when Fairfields then two adult daycare services, Grasmere Elder Care and one based at the Jewish Home for the Elderly, joined forces. The program serves senior citizens who wish to avoid nursing homes or assisted living facilities, but want social and medical help during the day.
It allows [people] to have peace of mind knowing that their parents are well cared for during the day, and not alone, by themselves and isolated, Hebert said.
Along with kosher meals and occasional nursing care, the center specializes in providing social activities throughout the day. Thursday, for example, was the Wild West Prom, when students from Notre Dame High School came by for a morning of dancing. Hebert said Grasmere often gets student volunteers from Notre Dame along with Fairfields two universities and the nursing schools at Bridgeports two hospitals.
One of Grasmeres finest features, however, is what Hebert dubs the best view in Fairfield. Just off the centers patio is the mouth of Ash Creek, where it meets Long Island Sound. Hebert said the proximity to the water is an added benefit for his clients.
Being able to go outside to see the water, to see the bird life, the seasonal changes on the Sound, is really a nice advantage, he said. I think the water just has this soothing and calming effect on people.
You can experience Grasmeres view yourself and help it raise money to continue its program this Sunday, May 1. The Grasmere Health Walk will start at the center (1 Post Road) and travel along the coast at Black Rocks St. Marys by the Sea. Walkers can register for a $20 donation, plus $5 for kids, starting at 9:30 a.m. The walk begins at 10 a.m.
Do your parents have trouble staying on their own? Do they attend adult day services? Share your experiences in the comments below.
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