Finding support and building community: Lynda and Joan’s experience with adult day programs
When Southern Maine Agency on Aging opened their new Adult Day Program in Portland, Lynda saw an opportunity that felt both familiar and hopeful.
“The Adult Day Program at the Portland Center has been amazing for my mother, Joan,” Lynda shares. “I used to own a caregiving agency back in the early 2000s, so I was already aware of Southern Maine Agency on Aging. I saw in their newsletter that they were opening a program in Portland and realized it was so much closer to where we live, and that really sparked my interest.”
Lynda takes a selfie with her mother Joan.
Joan was diagnosed with dementia about a year and a half ago, and everything changed.
“My sister was living with her at the time, but she moved, and my husband and I both work full time,” Lynda said. “I realized how alone my mom really was. She’s a people person. She wants social interaction. I thought, ‘okay, I’m going to look into this.’ I needed a break, and I wanted her to be interacting and participating in the various programs they offer.”
What surprised Lynda most was how quickly her mother began to open up and take on a meaningful role within the program.
“The most interesting thing to me was that she started talking to me about the other members there,” she says. “She said there was a woman who joined recently who was shy, so my mother would go over and talk to her. Her mission is always to get people to smile and laugh.”
Now, Lynda says, her mother feels proud of the way she connects with others.
“She’s been helping other members come out of their shell, and she does it in such a gentle way. That’s an added bonus, especially being with people who have the same diagnosis she does.”
The structure of the day has also been a good fit.
“I had my care plan meeting the other day, and they were giving her rave reviews,” Lynda shares. “The timing works really well for me as a caregiver. I like the later drop-off time and having her there for six hours allows me time to do my own activities.”
Emotionally, the impact has been profound.
“I think the first time I went to the Adult Day Program, I left with tears,” Lynda says. “It felt good to finally know I had some help, and it was help from people that I trusted.”
Most importantly, Joan has found new connections.
“She has a circle of friends, but they live further away,” Lynda says. “Going to the program, she has formed friendships there.”
Lynda does not hesitate to recommend the program.
“I’m happy to be an ambassador for the Adult Day Program and share our experience,” she says. “Southern Maine Agency on Aging is helping my mother be part of a close-knit community.”
Looking for support?
A simple phone call or email are the best places to start. Reach out to Nicole Garrity, Adult Day Program Manager, at 207-396-6508 or [email protected].
Families can ask questions, learn about available options, schedule a tour and even arrange a complimentary trial day to see if the program is a good fit.
Program Highlights
Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) has Adult Day Programs in three locations: Biddeford, Portland and Springvale. Each program provides engaging, dementia-focused support for older adults living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
A typical schedule each day may include:
- Gentle movement or chair exercise
- Music and singing sessions
- Art, crafts & creative expression
- Gardening and outdoor activities
- Cognitive games and memory exercises
- Reminiscence and storytelling
- Community guests, presentations or special events
- Relaxed social time
Families in these programs often say they wish they had reached out sooner. Even if someone is unsure whether they need services right now, having a conversation can help them understand what support is available and plan for the future.
Aging in Maine: Caregiving
Read AGING IN MAINE: CAREGIVING on Sunday, Oct. 18, a special publication from the newsrooms of the Maine Trust for Local News, focused on the needs of current and soon-to-be caregivers.
Friday, October 23: Attend the Maine Family Caregiver Summit. A morning session focuses on employers supporting caregivers on their team, and the afternoon session offers caregivers practical tips and direct connections to resources and experts.
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