Our Program

Founded in 1976 at a time when seniors were being abandoned in hospitals or on streets, Downtown Cluster's Geriatric Day Care Center now treats nearly 100 elderly District residents. While institutional care might cost $60,000 a year or more, public/private partnerships keep costs at the Center under $7,000. Easing the work of caregivers by providing care to clients during the day, the Center's services also mean that seniors can remain in their own homes-a financial and psychological boon. Vital services like transportation and meals are provided, and seniors spend their days meaningfully occupied-creating art, engaging in recreational therapy and counseling, and leading active social lives. Those recovering from stroke participate in movement and occupational therapy, and arthritis suffers practice joint protection and work simplification techniques. Alzheimer's clients are encouraged to speak and nurture others by interacting with toddlers in a unique program that benefits young and old. The Center provides public safety and crime prevention workshops, home visits, shopping and transportation arrangements. One in six DC residents is 60 or older, so the need is great. Your compassionate care really makes a difference here.

Our focus is to prevent further emotional, physical or cognitive deterioration of the elderly and to offer a humanistic alternative to expensive institutional care. "Promoting and supporting the extended family" enables family and friends to keep their loved ones home and comfortable within family ties.

The Center's trained and dedicated staff includes a consulting physician, a registered nurse, registered art, occupational and movement therapists, social workers, recreation specialists, therapeutic assistants and transportation/program assistants. Supporting these professionals are caring volunteers, senior aides and qualified interns.

Downtown Cluster's Geriatric Day Care Center is a community based, non-residential day center. It was selected by the 'Catalogue of Philanthropy - 2004 Edition' as one of the District's best small charities. It can be "your home away from home."