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IRVINE ADULT
DAY HEALTH CENTER RECEIVES $57,900 GRANT FROM THE BAXTER INTERNATIONAL
FOUNDATION
Agency will Augment
Therapy Program to Keep Seniors Active and Independent
IRVINE, Calif., March
25, 2002 -- The Baxter International Foundation, the philanthropic arm
of Baxter International Inc., has awarded a $57,900 grant to the Irvine
Adult Day Health Center, which offers day-care programs to frail elderly
and disabled adults over 50 who reside in Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin,
Corona Del Mar and surrounding areas. With grant funding, the center will
significantly expand its physical therapy and occupational therapy programs,
which are integral to keeping seniors active and independent for as long
as possible.
Nationwide, the senior population is growing at a faster rate than any
other age group. In Orange County, the 60-and-over population has doubled
since 1980 and is expected to nearly double again in the next two decades;
the 2000 Census shows 377,185 people over 60 in Orange County and projects
695,000 by 2020. The challenge for society is caring for the growing senior
population in sensitive and cost-effective ways.
In less than 10 years of operation, the Irvine Adult Day Health Center
has become a statewide model of a successful adult day health-care program.
Its goal is to restore, maintain and enhance participants' physical and
psychosocial functioning. The center also provides respite care, counseling
and support services for family caregivers who often feel overwhelmed
by the challenges of caring for an elderly loved one.
"Therapy services are the focal point of our program, because balance,
strength and stamina are essential to living safely at home," said
Kimberly Beeson, executive director, Irvine Adult Day Health Center. "Many
of our clients are trying to overcome the physical impact of stroke, arthritis
or other orthopedic and neurological problems. Therapy can make the difference
between independence and needing assistance with toileting, bathing and
grooming."
All of the center's participants are involved in physical therapy, which
is provided by a part-time licensed physical therapist and a part-time
physical therapy aide. The Baxter International Foundation grant will
enable the center to add a second physical therapy aide. Occupational
therapy, a more specialized therapy focusing on upper body function, is
provided by a part-time licensed occupational therapist. The grant will
fund additional hours per week.
Exercising in the attractive, modern therapy gym is a highlight of the
day for Corinne Jones, a spunky and outgoing 76 year old who has attended
the center for five years. Jones struggles with numerous illnesses --
peripheral vascular disease that cost her a leg, arthritis, heart disease
and emphysema -- but the friends and activities at the center keep her
active and in good spirits.
"This is my second home. I love it here," Jones said.
A better attitude is one of the first things Jean Marcus noticed about
her husband, Daniel, when he started coming to the center two years ago.
Daniel is blind, has Parkinson's disease and has survived a stroke.
"I had to take him by the hand everywhere. I couldn't leave him home
or even in the car alone," Marcus said. Thanks to physical therapy,
Daniel walks more confidently now, but most importantly, he loves going
to the center where he meets friends and is accepted and respected for
who he is.
"The Irvine Adult Day Health Center has created a positive environment
for seniors. Their services address problems of chronic illness, functional
limitations and social isolation common among older people," said
Patricia Morgan, executive director, The Baxter International Foundation.
"We are proud to support their high-quality therapy program, which
is not only preventing premature institutionalization but also keeping
seniors engaged in life."
The Irvine Adult Day Health Center was created in 1994 by the City of
Irvine, Irvine Medical Center and other visionary community partners.
It is located in a 5,600-square-foot wing of the Lakeview Senior Center.
Seventy seniors are enrolled in the adult day health-care program, which
offers a range of health-care services in addition to social and recreational
activities. Thirteen seniors are enrolled in social day care, which provides
recreational activities and gives home caregivers much needed respite.
Other services include meals, door-to-door transportation and a support
group for caregivers.
As the philanthropic arm of Baxter International Inc., The Baxter International
Foundation helps to increase access to health care in the United States
and other countries. In 2001, foundation grants totaling $4.8 million
improved access to care for children, the uninsured and the elderly, helped
prevent child abuse and neglect, promoted health education, expanded education
opportunities for health-care providers, and helped victims of global
disasters.
Baxter International Inc. is a global medical products and services company
that, through its subsidiaries, provides critical therapies for people
with life-threatening conditions. Baxter employs more than 2,500 people
in California at its facilities in Duarte, Glendale, Hayward, Irvine,
Los Angeles, Ontario, Thousand Oaks, Van Huys and Westlake Village.
FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION:
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- Media Contacts:
- Tanya Tyska, Baxter, 847-948-3256
Kimberly Beeson, Irvine Adult Day Health, 949-262-1123
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