The Osceola Council on Aging (OCOA) is thrilled to announce our partnership with the University of Central Florida School of Nursing, in support of our Adult Day Health Care program. The partnership is an academic collaboration aimed at enhancing the educational experience of UCF nursing students, while providing valuable adult daycare services to OCOA clients.
“This collaboration not only enhances the students’ education but also enables the Council on Aging to increase vital services for seniors in our community,” said Chris Hougland, RN, BSN, Sr. Vice-President of Health Services, Osceola Council on Aging. “As a nurse myself, it is a privilege to support the next generation of healthcare professionals while improving the well-being of our seniors.”
Partnerships between adult daycare services and academic institutions are becoming increasingly common nationwide, and the OCOA is proud to be on the cusp of that trend.
UCF students, most in their junior year, are studying to obtain their Registered Nursing credentials. The goal is to rotate them through our health clinic, senior housing, and adult day health program, while assisting with our Meals on Wheels, and congregate dining club services.
“This organizational partnership is truly a blessing for these students as they will attain real-life work experience opportunities, while studying to become registered nurses,” said Osceola Council on Aging Chief of Staff Johnola Morales, PhD.
“We are excited to serve the Osceola County community,” said UCF College of Nursing Associate Lecturer Geraldine Luzincourt, DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-C. “The Council on Aging is an excellent opportunity for nursing students to not only learn how to care for older adults but witness how nurses companion their work with other healthcare professionals.”
The Osceola Council on Aging hosts one of more than 5,000 Adult Day Care Centers nationwide. Located on our OCOA Kissimmee campus at 700 Generation Point, our Center is a comprehensive, support driven facility offering multiple disciplines of care and professional services in a secure and protective environment.
“Our Adult Day Care is an integrated system of therapeutic, nutritional, social, and healthrelated services,” Hougland added.
Seniors can thrive in the social environment while enjoying group activities and shared, nutritious meals. We also open our doors to seniors with special needs; those who need a secure, protective environment around them due to illness, or cognitive issues such as dementia. Other services include physical, occupational, and speech therapy, transportation needs, personal hygiene offerings and assistance with all activities of daily living.
According to the National Adult Day Service Association, a leading voice in the evergrowing adult daycare services industry, “Time spent with other individuals in a socialized setting can greatly improve a senior’s quality of life,” while providing caregivers with a reprieve.
With September hosting National Adult Day Services week, this month is the perfect time to observe the importance of Adult Day Health Care programs across our nation. Celebrated since 1983, the observance raises awareness of the availability, accessibility, and overall offerings of Adult Day Care Centers.
For anyone wondering if a family member may soon require these types of services, it may be time to consider if: Supervision is needed for safety reasons.
Assistance with ‘daily living’ activity is needed.
The family member is experiencing depression or isolation.
The caregiver needs respite.
There is a clear need for socialization and engagement in therapeutic and recreational activities.
Our Center is open five days per week, from 7 am to 4:30 pm. Participation costs are around $60 per day, though funding assistance is available through the Senior Resource Alliance.
For those interested in learning more about the program, or registering a loved one, contact Migdalia Colon-Harris at 407-933-9552.
