Taking care of aging or disabled family members can feel overwhelming, and up till now, Central Oregonians have had limited options: home healthcare, long-term care facilities and assisted living. For some families, these services have limitations and can be quite costly. A newer option—adult day service—has been gaining popularity nationwide and will be available in Central Oregon for the first time, beginning early February of this year.
Open Arms will offer a state-of-the art care center serving families with comprehensive memberships for adults needing care and affordable relief for caregivers, weekdays between 8am and 5:30pm. Open Arms provides a hybrid approach to a leading, nationally-recognized adult care alternative that gives its members the most complete care available: mind, body and spirit. In an ideal alternative daytime environment outside the home, members can be nurtured, stimulated and provided medical care.
Open Arms will focus on preventative care as well as support, counseling and free education for caregivers. Open Arms will offer three tiers of membership:
1. Daytime Care: A safe, socially-enlightening environment that includes meals, games, and rest for members and free education for their caregivers.
2. Preventative Care: Optional vital signs management and monitoring, exercise programs, weight monitoring and medication assistance.
3. Health Care: Optional healthcare advocacy and coordination, including:
• Collaboration with physicians, professional-to-professional, ensuring clear communication and background information on the member being cared for.
• Assurance that Caregiver Support people understand medical diagnoses, home care needs, medications, etc.
• Organizational assistance utilizing a software program that coordinates appointments and medications to keep daily life organized and reduce stress.
Open Arms is owned and operated by a team of three Critical Care Nurses with over 20 years combined experience. Assisted by a team of interdisciplinary specialists the clinic is backed by Dr. Stan Adamek, a licensed Doctor of Osteopathy. Open Arms will assign a staff-to-member ratio based on acuity level of needs in order to provide individualized, person-centered care and meet various complex needs that may arise.
“Open Arms is specifically designed to help the adult population suffering from illnesses and injuries that prevent them from performing their own activities of daily living and experiencing the joys of life,” according to CEO and Founder, Michael Griffith.
“We also assist family members and caregivers who have to balance work and the time to provide care, which can be very stressful and difficult to manage. Studies have shown that the longevity of the caregiver relates directly to their quality of life, particularly if the caregiver is in a 24-hour, seven-day a week caregiver role. At Open Arms, we will hold frequent community caregiver meetings to educate and encourage a healthy body and mind. We will build and facilitate support groups for our member’s families. The knowledge that we have acquired from years of critical care nursing experience has taught us that the caregiver must practice self-care first in order to provide optimal care for another.”
Griffith and his partners believe that adult day service is the best option for many families and is also the most affordable and attainable. Open Arms Adult Day Service will serve all of Central Oregon, including: Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Sunriver, Prineville, Black Butte Ranch and Madras.
For more information, or to schedule a free consultation to see if adult day service is right for you, email Michael Griffith at michael@openarmsadultcare.com or 541-362-1363.
