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Published by Town Lively
written by Ann Mead Ash

Faith Hoover, director of Adult Day Services (ADS) at Landis Homes, was blessed to be part of the planning committee when Eden East, the building that houses Landis Homes’ ADS memory support services, was built in 1998. Since that time, she has worked to create an environment that is balanced so that clients can enjoy activities that stimulate their minds. Over at Eden West ADS, the environment is more stimulating and the sound threshold is higher.

For family members, spouses, and other caregivers who need to work or who need respite, the centers offer peace of mind. Tee Off for Adult Day Services, the Landis Homes annual golf tournament, has been helping to fund scholarships for clients and activities for the centers for 25 years. “It helps those eligible clients who have a need to have another day (each) week or more,” explained Alonna Sprunger, director of advancement for Landis Homes. Over the years it has been held, the tournament has raised more than a million dollars for the centers.

This year’s tournament, the 26th annual, will be held on Friday, June 2, at Foxchase Golf Club, 300 Stevens Road, Stevens. The morning flight will begin with registration at 6:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 7:30 a.m. Lunch will be held and prizes will be awarded at noon. The second flight will begin with registration at noon and a shotgun start at 1 p.m., and there will be dinner and prizes at 5:30 p.m.

Eden East serves clients in the mid to later stages of memory care. The center is secured with a door with a coded door lock. “Keeping (clients) safe is a huge priority,” said Hoover, who added that the center can serve up to 25 clients at a time. Deb Laws-Landis, director of community relations, noted that the outdoor area of the center has special safety features including nontoxic plants.

Stimulating the brain with certain types of activities is important for patients with memory issues, so the center utilizes word searches, trivia, and bingo games that require clients to recognize colors, numbers, and objects and to follow simple instructions. The center also plans activities that can spark memories, including an interactive discussion group and a reminiscing group dedicated to talking about things from the past.

A daily physical exercise period involves moving to music while seated, but following lunch clients may take a guided walk from the center to the other end of the building, either through corridors or outside when the weather allows. More active games are available as well.

At Eden West, activities that take attendees off campus twice a month are planned by a council made up of clients. Excursions may include trips to Lititz Springs Park, fishing expeditions, or a jaunt to a petting zoo.

Hoover noted that clients come from all over the county to receive care from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in either center. Some come for only half a day, while others are present every day. A podiatrist visits to see clients, and other professional services are offered as well. “We have occupational, speech, (and) physical, and (clients) can go to the hair salon,” said Hoover, who added that the center offers personal care services, such as bathing.

According to Sprunger, the golf tournament has a loyal following of participants, but new golfers are always welcome. Hoover makes sure clients of the centers are involved by making puppy chow snacks to put in the golfers’ goodie bags. She also brings about 12 clients to the tournament and interviews one during dinner to help golfers become better acquainted with those they are helping to support.

Readers who have an interest in taking part in the tournament may call 509-5490.

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