Lynchburg Business

Bedford Adult Day Center

Issue: June 2010 by Julie Snowman in Senior Services

Those who have cared for an elderly parent or adult loved one know that round-the-clock care is truly a labor of love— one that can create a difficult situation when it comes to also working a full-time job, caring for a family, or simply taking a much-needed break. It’s a struggle that the Bedford Adult Day Center (BADC) exists to help. As a non-profit center and a department of Bedford Memorial Hospital, the BADC serves the needs of intellectually and physically disabled adults, elderly adults and veterans.

Originally opened in 1993, the center was located in a local church before opening its present location next to Bedford Memorial Hospital in 1996, thanks to the generous contribution of a local benefactor, Marjorie Maupin and the Maupin Sizemore Foundation, as well as the Bedford Community

Health Foundation. The main goals of the center, according to the Bedford Memorial Hospital’s website, are “to offer assistance with care needs and supervision in order to prevent institutional placement, to provide education, support and respite to family caregivers and to provide a stimulating program of social, recreational and

therapeutic activities geared toward a variety of participant needs and abilities.” The center also strives to “enhance each participant’s sense of well-being and give them an opportunity to socialize with their peers.”

The center is run jointly between Carilion Clinic and Centra Health and is licensed by the Department of Social Services to provide adult health care. It is also licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Disability Services to provide intellectual disability day support to its participants. Carla Groff, Manager of the BADC, says this dual license makes the center different and enables them to provide more services than most others in the area. These services include giving participants more access to specialized programs while also affording caregivers the opportunity to go to work in their jobs, communities or just take a needed break for a few hours.

The roughly 10,000 square foot building is separated into two wings. With access to a fenced-in outdoor patio, ornamental fish pond and a view of the Peaks of Otter, intellectually and physically

disabled participants in one wing learn skill training that enables them to function within their communities. This program aims to keep them out of institutions and in their own homes or group homes while continuing to socialize with their peers.

In the second wing, elderly adults and veterans receive therapies that keep them mentally stimulated and participate in group activities such as trivia, card games, dominos, arts, crafts and music, as well as other forms of entertainment that Groff says helps keep their mental and social skills intact.

“The population at the center is very diverse and we also meet the needs of people with Alzheimer’s, those with diabetes, autism and stroke victims,” Groff said. “We are able to provide special diets and have nurses on staff that can give tube feedings when and if needed.”

Open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., participants may attend the center whenever they need to and, in most cases, the center provides transportation to those that live in the cities of Bedford and Lynchburg, as well as the surrounding counties. The center averages 38 participants a day with about 10 staff members on duty.

“Staff members are fully trained and re-tested every year, and the transportation drivers also receive Special Ed training to handle any emergencies that may arise on the buses,” Groff said.

The programs offered at the center are not free of charge, though many are covered by insurance.

“Different programs cost different amounts, but Medicaid may pay for some participants and the Veteran’s Administration may pay for others,” Groff said. “We also have a small scholarship program for those that can’t afford the whole fee and are not eligible for any other forms of help.”

For more information about BADC, or for a free visit, call (540) 586-8424.