It was East Jefferson's distinct honor and privilege to celebrate a birthday with one of the clients of the EJGH Adult Day Health Care Center. Ms. Emma Eppling turned 100 years old on May 13. It was wonderful to be with her family gathered around to celebrate a truly special day. Perhaps the highlight of the party was watching a photo slide show of her life and seeing the impact she has had over her lifetime.

The staff of the Adult Day Health Center takes great pride in getting to know all of their clients. As a medically-based facility, the center is designed to assist the clients and their families in day-to-day care. Our clients are still independent, but need help throughout the day managing daily tasks. Many are suffering from Alzheimer's disease, dementia, Parkinson's disease, effects from a stroke or other chronic illnesses.

Their families, because of work, school schedules and other events that require attention, often need some help caring for them during the daytime throughout the week. The center is a trusted facility to ensure that their loved ones are cared for when family needs support.

The center is under the direction of a certified activities director and includes nursing, social services, a registered dietician, medication monitoring, meals and socialization. The clients can enjoy social time, appropriate exercises, relaxation time and small and large group activities. Everything offered is geared to improving cognitive and motor function in a safe and convenient place.

Although many of the clients are members of the geriatric population, the center is open to adults over 18 years of age that also needed assistance. And since it is a medically-based facility, our staff can have a direct working relationship with the client's physicians as well as with other members of their care team. In addition, the entire staff is also there to offer emotional support to the family support system.

East Jefferson understands how important it is to offer this service to the community. The Adult Day Health Center is a great resource and offers comprehensive care to ensure that the needs of both client and family are met. By doing this, EJGH gets to share the special moments, birthdays, and anniversaries. It is a wonderful reminder that our mission is to do everything we can to improve the quality of life for all that are entrusted in our care. It was special to see Ms. Eppling become a centenarian, and we extend our warmest wishes to her and her family.