To Life Center provides tender loving care and more

My mother and father were always together. How fortunate I was to be able to go to work each day and know that they would take care of each other while I was gone.

After my dear mom passed away October 1, 2012, I could not leave my dad alone while I went to teach. The To Life Center (TLC) Adult Day Services at Jewish Seniors Agency of R.I. came to our rescue. At first, I needlessly worried about how Dad would do there. However, from the moment we arrived on his first day through today, 17 months later, open arms and huge smiles have always welcomed him.

Each day is packed with varied activities that he enjoys doing. Dad exercises every day and engages in other activities that might vary from day to day. These activities include playing dominoes, baking, going on outings, watching movies and playing bingo, which he loves.

While I was attending my niece’s wedding in Israel, the staff of the TLC made sure that Dad could be a part of it even though he couldn’t physically attend the wedding. A family friend arranged to have the wedding live-streamed, and Dad, along with his friends and staff at TLC, watched the wedding. They even had a party for him, which made him feel special.

I remember receiving an email with a photo of Dad watching the wedding. It just so happened that my brother Elan, the father of the bride, was by my side. It brought tears to our eyes knowing that Dad could kvell in his granddaughter’s wedding that was taking place 6,000 miles away!

The staff of TLC is so in tune with his needs that it’s as if they have known him forever. When he was in need of physical therapy, we arranged that he would have it at the TLC. Many times when patients are released from the hospital, it is recommended that they attend rehab. Dad was able to return to the TLC instead of rehab because of the great care he is given.

I am so thankful for the TLC. It gave both Dad and me our lives back.

If you would like a personal tour, please contact Susan P. Adler, Director of Jewish Eldercare of R.I., at 401-621-5374 or send an email to sadler-jeri@jsari.org.

SUSIE ADLER, a Providence resident, is an activity programmer for Jewish Eldercare of Rhode Island.