A Home Away From Home

For those who have an elderly loved one, the Margaret Tietz Adult Day Health Care Program is a welcome friend.
With services aimed at health, socialization and recreation, the program, which has expanded its hours to include Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., is a means by which family members can have peace of mind.
Operating for more than 30 years, this not-for-profit program is aimed at providing participants with continuous medically prescribed services such as occupational, physical and speech therapy, dentistry, ophthalmology, audiology, podiatry, medical and nursing services, and a licensed acupuncturist.
The Tietz program is run by trained professionals and volunteers who encourage participants to live an independent life. They provide support and assurance to the caretakers of the program participants that their loved ones will receive professional supervision while they are at work or otherwise engaged.
"This program is a preventative means look after patients," said Rosanna Militante, RN Program Director, "Were her to ensure their health does not deteriorate and that they have engaging social interaction in order to keep them young and vibrant."
The program benefits the frail elderly and younger disabled adults by providing door-to-door transportation in wheelchair accessible vans, allowing participants with conditions such as Alzheimers Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, Osteoarthritis, Muscular Dystrophy, head trauma, Parkinsons Disease and other ailments to be able to function in the community for a longer period of time.
Upon arrival at the center, participants can enjoy a continental breakfast, and during the afternoon will have a catered hot lunch. The center has a dietician who ensures that well balanced kosher, non-kosher, and ethnic foods are ordered and prepared. The site has translators and staff that speak practically every language so clients feel right at home
Linda Spiegal, PR director, said, "Clients have been with us for a long time. Its great a place like this exists before they need further intervention."
According to Spiegal, medicaid or private payment covers cost, and everyone is medicare eligible.
The Tietz Program is located at 158-13 72nd Avenue in Flushing. For further information, call (718)591-4500.