Media Advisory - Revitalized Adult Day Program to Support Families Living
with Effects of Dementia

TORONTO , Sept. 28 /CNW/ - Providence Healthcare will officially open its relocated and revitalized Adult Day Program (ADP) in a modern, 8,000-square-foot facility tomorrow. The ADP serves those who suffer from moderate to severe dementia, and their families, and is believed to be the only facility of its kind in Canada that provides a program of activities on a round-the-clock basis Monday through Friday, and during the day on Saturday.

The ADP, which has existed in an older wing of Providence since its inception in 1995, is designed to stimulate and provide a wide range of therapeutic activities. The ADP currently serves more than 500 clients and, in conjunction with Providence's other caregiver support services, supports more than 3,000 caregivers a year. About 45 per cent of the program's clients have working caregivers. The 8,000-square-foot ADP is proud to acknowledge $2.5 million in private donations, in addition to ongoing government funding, and includes:

    
           -  The RBC Veranda with three skylights, telescope for astronomy
              buffs, and activity programming for gardening and horticulture
           -  The St. George's Society of Toronto Healing Garden with an
              oversized chess board
           -  The Scotiabank Learning Centre with resources serving people
              and families who need information and support with diabetes,
              stroke, heart disease, arthritis, and Parkinson's
           -  The Nick Villani Activity Room with computer, discovery kits,
              and other activities
           -  Modern overnight suites equipped with personal computers and
              Internet access
           -  Therapeutic activities such as using the Wii, baking and
              cooking using ADP garden herbs, video games, singing and
              dancing
           -  Staff from a variety of health-care related professional
              backgrounds, and ability in such languages as Italian, Spanish,
              Filipino and Mandarin.

    What:     Official opening of the Adult Day Program

    When:     Tuesday, September 29, 2009
              10 - 11 a.m.

    Where:    Adult Day Program
              Providence Healthcare
              3276 St. Clair Avenue East
              Toronto, Ontario
              (North west corner of Warden Avenue and St. Clair Avenue East)
    

For further information: Beth Johnson, Director, Communications at [phone] ext. 4042, cell. [phone] or [email protected]