The Holy Cross Medical Adult Day Center Recognized as a Leader in Dementia Care

(Silver Spring, MD) - The Holy Cross Medical Adult Day Center, founded in 1982, has become the first medical adult day center in Maryland to successfully meet the standards set forth by the Alzheimer's Foundation of America's Excellence in Care program and earn the status of an Alzheimer's Foundation of America Excellence in Care Dementia Program of Distinction.

Rita Livernois (r) with Margaret McKenna, Nursing Supervisor, RN, Medical Adult Day Center. "Holy Cross Medical Adult Day Center is a true partner in allowing me the privilege to care for my mom in a way that honors her dignity as a human being." - Lise Baur, Rita Livernois' daughter.

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America recognized the Holy Cross Medical Adult Day Center as a model for dementia care in our community and nationwide. Wendy Friar, Vice President Community Health said, "Dementia is a difficult disease for both the participant and caregiver. Our Medical Adult Day Center program helps our participants preserve function and cope with symptoms, and our Caregiver Resource Center provides group support, resources and addresses the prevention of caregiver burnout. It's great to be recognized for a program well done!"

The Holy Cross Medical Adult Day Center is part of the Holy Cross Health Network and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia and their caregivers. The center provides social, recreational and medical services in a structured and stimulating environment. The center offers interactive activities including art and music programs, health education and nutrition counseling.

"We are proud to recognize the Holy Cross Medical Adult Day Center as an 'Excellence in Care Dementia Program of Distinction,'" said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., chief executive officer of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. "It is through programs such as theirs that we can truly affect change in the dementia care space."

The Holy Cross Medical Adult Day Center is staffed with caring professionals including registered nurses, social workers and activity coordinators who have a combined fifty years of hands-on experience in caring for individuals with dementia. Staff members receive ongoing training in the latest tools and strategies available to assist people with memory loss and find gentle and creative ways to engage participants and provide safe care.

"Individuals can spend two days at the center free of charge. This trial period gives potential participants and caregivers a chance to interact with staff and other participants to see what the center has to offer," said Tammy Duell, director, Holy Cross Medical Adult Day Center. "The center is committed to creating positive experiences for participants and improving their quality of life." The center's nursing supervisor, Meg McKenna added, "We strive to provide a place where participants are warmly welcomed, well cared for and look forward to coming."

The Holy Cross Medical Adult Day Center is located approximately one block from Holy Cross Hospital at 9805 Dameron Drive, Silver Spring, MD. To schedule a tour or to learn more about the Holy Cross Medical Adult Day Center, please call 301.754.7150.

###

Holy Cross Health, founded in 1963 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, is a health care system that includes Holy Cross Hospital, the largest hospital in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, a new hospital, Holy Cross Germantown Hospital, which will open in the fall of 2014, and Holy Cross Health Network, which provides 30,000 primary health care visits annually and serves as the locus for physician and insurance relationships.