Ice-cream and fun on tap at Parker on Madison

Ice cream sundaes were on tap recently at Parker on Madison Social Adult Day Care, a unique respite program through Parker Jewish Institute.

Led by a highly experienced professional staff, Parker on Madison’s homelike venue in Hempstead provides a safe and stimulating environment for the frail, elderly and memory-impaired, while also offering relief and support to caregivers and families. The program, which includes door-to-door transportation, enhances quality of life through stimulating physical, cultural and social activities that engage participants.

At the ice-cream social, there were a variety of flavors, as well as nutritious toppings, including nuts and mixed berries. It was a chance to enjoy a late-summer treat, connect with one another and learn more about Parker on Madison.

“Parker on Madison plays an important role in the community by providing supervised recreation, a hot meal and companionship in a safe environment,” said Michael N. Rosenblut, Parker’s President and CEO. “With this program, participants’ family members or caregivers can tend to work or personal matters, or simply relax – with peace of mind.”

“It is incredibly valuable to host events like this one, where, over Ice-cream, we connect with participants, learn more about their lives and share information about additional services through Parker that might interest them,” said Lina Scacco, Parker’s Assistant Vice President of Corporate Outreach and Development.

Each weekday morning at Parker on Madison starts with tea, a healthy snack, and conversation. After tea, everyone is encouraged to join a semi-circle for light and effective chair exercises that are guided by a skilled facilitator, helping participants to stay fit and active. This is followed by games, fostering hand-eye coordination and socialization as well as memory recall.

One popular activity is a memory-boosting game where participants share words that start with a specific letter. To begin, they try to come up with 20 words, and if engaged with the challenge, they might be prompted to think of 50, or even 100 words.

Next is a hot, nutritious lunch, typically featuring soup, bread, chicken or fish, and a starch. Kosher and vegetarian meals can be arranged with advance notice.

On the day of the ice-cream social, participants were treated to an early afternoon of songs from John Bracco, a certified music therapist who visits Parker on Madison monthly. Music therapy offers a host of benefits, including promoting wellness, managing stress, enhancing memory and more. Mr. Bracco’s music often gets people’s toes tapping, and even the quieter among the group might sing along or chime in during “Name That Tune. “

On other afternoons, there are crafts, and some of the more independent participants enjoy a game of dominoes, sharing in the friendship that comes with collaborating with others. And once a month, therapy dogs visit Parker on Madison, further boosting social interaction, improving moods and more.

These activities help participants become more upbeat, and they look forward to attending Parker on Madison, which runs Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, or to make referrals to Parker on Madison Social Adult Day Care, call 516-586-1623 or 1-877-727-5373.

Contact: Lina Scacco, (718) 289-2212 or lscacco@parkerinstitute.org

About Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation

Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, which is headquartered in New Hyde Park, New York, is a leading provider of Short Term Rehabilitation and Long Term Care. At the forefront of innovation in patient-centered health care and technology, the Institute is a leader in teaching and geriatric research. Parker Jewish Institute features its own medical department, and is nationally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well as a provider of community-based health care, encompassing Social Adult Day Care, Home Health Care, Medical House Calls, Palliative Care and Hospice.