FAQ

WHAT IS ADULT DAY? WHAT DO YOU FOR MY LOVED ONE

Our adult day center is a dynamic environment filled with activities for Seniors. It’s active and socially engaging. Our members find fellowship over shared meals. It’s a structured program for seniors needing a safe place to spend the day.
It’s led by skilled activities professionals who guide daily programming and by our nursing professionals who attend to health care needs. All understand the challenges of dementia and personal care and helping with activities of daily living.
Our caregivers find respite during the day and freedom to meet work and other family responsibilities.

HOW DO I KNOW IT’S TIME FOR ADULT DAY? WHO IS APPROPRIATE FOR ADULT DAY?

Do any of the following situations sound familiar?

My parents have experienced a significant cognitive and physical decline during the pandemic.
My mother has fallen a few times but still needs to get out of the house safely.
Dad’s health or physical problems keep him from enjoying life.
Mom’s becoming so isolated. She doesn’t get out much and rarely spends time with her friends.
My wife forgets things more often.
My husband needs extra help to regain the abilities he lost because of a stroke.
Dad doesn’t seem to be eating right or taking his medications properly.
Mom used to be so particular about her appearance. Now she doesn’t care anymore.
My husband spends his days watching TV and napping. Then he doesn’t sleep well at night.
We promised we’d always take care of each other, but it’s getting harder and harder.
I worry about my mother when I’m at work, and she is home alone.
Caregiving is wearing me out, and I don’t know where to turn for help.
Experiences anxiety or depression and needs social and emotional support.
Has difficulty starting and focusing on an activity whether it's conversation, reading or watching TV.
Seems to be no longer safe on his or her own or feels uncertain and anxious about being alone.
Is unable to structure his or her own daily activities.

If any of these situations sound familiar, Heart to Heart Senior Care Center could be the perfect care solution for you and your family.

WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT HEART TO HEART SENIOR CARE CENTER? “WHAT DO YOU DO TO ENGAGE MY LOVED ONE? THE COMPANY I HAVE NOW WATCHES MY HUSBAND WATCH TV”

Families look for engagement for their loved ones, not just TV. Engagement is at the core of what we do. An experience at Heart to Heart Senior Care Center includes:

Daily exercise
Discussion of news and other current events
Music
Daily Arts and Crafts
Gardening activities
Baking activities
Cognitive games
Word games
Trivia
Interactive gaming with a touchscreen TV and projector
Reminiscing
Hands-on gaming with checkers, chess, Jenga, Connect 4, indoor volleyball, indoor frisbee, golf putting, dominoes, and more.
Entertainers that visit periodically
Fellowship over meals

WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF YOUR ASSOCIATES?

We work hard to build a team of excellent caregivers and associates. Many are qualified by earned state licenses and certifications, education, or extensive experience.

The selection process includes:

A thorough interview.
A negative drug screen.
An FBI fingerprint criminal background check.
Negative COVID tests.
Reference checks.

Our associates complete regular training, including a thorough orientation, First Aid and CPR certification, Alzheimer’s and other dementia training, and an ongoing series of in-service programming. We strive to have the best and most knowledgeable staff when it comes to your loved ones. We have teamed up with Teepa Snow, one of the best educators when it comes to dementia. Her positive care approach is incorporated into our training and everyday routine to facilitate a meaningful environment for you and your loved ones.

MY LOVED ONE HAS SOME HEALTH CARE CHALLENGES. CAN YOU HELP?

Many of our members have significant healthcare challenges, including mobility challenges, dementia, and diabetes. Our nursing staff can:

Administer medications
Assist with personal care needs
Monitoring dietary requirements
Provide watchful health oversight
Train Associates in caregiving excellence

Our associates have extensive experience caring for seniors. Call us to discuss your circumstances.

DOES INSURANCE PAY FOR THIS? HOW DO I PAY FOR IT?

Most Members pay privately for the Care Center. Some families join to provide for the care their parents and loved ones need.
Long-Term Care Insurance: Most long-term care insurance policies will pay for home and adult day services.
Veterans: We are working to formulate a contract with the Veterans Administration to cover costs.
Medicare and other health insurances do not cover the expense of adult daycare.

DO YOU OFFER MEMORY CARE?

Working to exercise memory is one of our goals. We implement the following in our activities:

Engage: Social engagement with new and old friends
Spirit: We focus on that which brings joy.
Mind: We are learning new things and searching for new experiences. We practice cognitive skills and exercise our cognitive abilities.
Move: We exercise every day. We walk everywhere. It’s difficult (though not impossible) to stay seated for very long.
Food: Our meals are designed to nourish our minds and our bodies. We routinely accommodate a variety of special dietary needs.

MY MOTHER'S ALZHEIMER'S IS GETTING WORSE, AND IT IS GETTING HARDER TO CARE FOR HER. BUT, I DON'T WANT TO PUT HER IN A HOME. WHAT OTHER OPTIONS ARE THERE?

Our goal is to keep your loved ones at home and out of institutionalized care. At Heart-to-Heart, your loved ones will be engaged and have a variety of activities to participate. We have nurses to take care of their medical needs and care members to provide personal care during their time with us.

HOW DO I EVEN BEGIN TO BRING UP THE IDEA OF ADULT DAY CARE TO MY LOVED ONE?

While it can be difficult, it’s important to communicate how our care center can be beneficial to a loved one without being too overbearing. Your loved one may feel hesitant because they do not know much about a care center. Let them know that they will be able to socialize and participate in various activities with assistance as needed so there is no pressure. A visit and tour of Heart-to-Heart is a great way to determine if this option is a good fit for both you and your loved one's current lifestyles.

IS ATTENDANCE MANDATORY?

Not necessarily. You may choose which days you or your loved would like to attend. However, it is generally recommended that they spend at least three days a week so the staff can provide a consistent schedule and treatment plan. Our care members are fully trained professionals dedicated to helping you or your loved one as best they can.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT STAFFING RATIO?

We want every community member to be able to participate in all of our activities. We maintain a staffing ratio of 1:5 to ensure every participant has some assistant level so they are not left out. Whether it is verbal or hand-over-hand cueing, everyone will be assisted by our care members.

WHAT LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATIONS DO YOU REQUIRE?

The state of Mississippi currently does not require any certifications or licensure. We want to show you that we care about our services and take pride in what we do for your loved ones. We have applied to be certified through CARF, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. CARF is the only accreditor for continuing care retirement communities.

WHAT IF MY LOVED ONE DOESN’T WANT TO PARTICIPANT IN ACTIVITIES?

We understand that planned activities are not for everyone. Some community members are more interested in helping with activities or other “jobs” to feel needed. Throughout the center, books, games, puzzles are readily available, in addition to having someone to talk to nearby.

DOES A PERSON HAVE TO HAVE ALZHEIMER’S OR A DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS TO ENROLL AS A COMMUNITY MEMBER?

Our programs and services are designed specifically for those with memory problems, but members are not required to have an actual diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Members with Parkinson’s, mild cognitive impairment, and other older adults benefit from our programs since they focus on cognitive and physical wellness.

WHAT IF MY FAMILY MEMBER GETS TIRED OR NEEDS TO REST?

The center has a bedroom in addition to a large number of recliner chairs to accommodate members wanting to rest or nap.

IS THERE ANYPLACE TO ISOLATE SOMEONE IF THEY GET SICK?

If a member becomes ill or has a medical emergency, they are cared for in the nurse’s office or the center’s bedroom to ensure complete privacy. Care members remain with them until the family and paramedics arrive.

WHAT ABOUT MEALS AND SNACKS IF THERE’S A SPECIAL DIET OR FOOD ALLERGY?

We prepare our snacks here in the community so we can accommodate any diety restrictions. We have our lunch menu items catered in from FitChef so you will be able to choose your meals. The full ingredient list will be available to view before choosing which entree you want to have prepared and served.

IS THERE A PLAN FOR EMERGENCIES?

In addition to the center’s written policies regarding a medical emergency for a member, there are comprehensive written policies and procedures for emergency preparedness and responses to various potential internal and external emergencies. The centers’ plan addresses fire, failure of heating or cooling, power outage, explosion, hurricane, tornado, flood, extreme ice/snow, wildfire, and hazardous materials accidents. In addition, fire and disaster drills are conducted monthly.

FAQ