The Climate of Adult Day Care In New Jersey

Joan Marie Granato, Future Focus Inc., NADSA Board Member

As we are entering summer, the changes of the seasons are a good representation of what is occurring in the Adult Day Health Care Industry in the state of New Jersey. The climate is changing but we remain steadfast in our mission; to provide quality services to those that are in need.

As the past President of NJADSA, New Jersey Adult Day Service Association, I have seen the dramatic changes in the industry within this last year. As President of the Association, I saw consistent upward mobility and open communications with the Department that enabled us to forge ahead with quality programs and services. With the onset of this dismal economic crisis, the government is trying to decrease spending. Our industry has grown steadily over the past decade, currently servicing over 12,000 seniors though our Adult Day Health Programs. Due to the popularity of the programs, the Treasury Department had to pay for a growing number of participants. This inevitably led to extra spending in the budget. Those that look at the bottom line figures for the budget allocated to these services don't get the chance to look into the eyes of a senior that needs these programs.

In the most recent months, we have met with detrimental media depictions that have stigmatized our entire industry in New Jersey with negative statements. This is not a true representation of who we are in New Jersey. With over 133 licensed centers, there may be a few "bad players" that have created this black cloud over respectable programs. Most ADHC provide services in the scope of the regulations and with quality services and care. We have worked with DOH every step of the way in order to create systems that would address these issues. There are still always loopholes in a system for those that never walk the straight and narrow. The bottom line in question is: who are we really hurting? We are hurting the seniors who need our services, the caregivers that need respite, and the employees that need jobs! When the powers that be make this business so difficult to operate that we are forced to close our doors, it affects everyone.

New Jersey is making noise! We are going to fight for what we believe in....we are going to fight for what is fair...we are going to fight for those we serve.
 
Through our Public Policy and Advocacy efforts representing the ADHC Industry, we argued our points at the Assembly's first public hearing on the spending plan with Governor Corzine. He addressed this hearing as promised, "pain on every page" for New Jersey. There were representatives from various groups who thanked lawmakers for preserving their funding at last year's level, while others urged lawmakers to make fewer cuts to the most vulnerable residents in the State.

I have been a consultant in the ADHC industry for over 20 years and recently became a Board Member of the National Adult Day Service Association (NADSA) to make a difference. Over the years, I have seen a dramatic growth in New Jersey and across the country in ADHC. The one thing that remains the same is that the philosophy of our service makes sense on so many levels. Why are we the target of this economy-cutting spree? We keep individuals in their homes longer, provide respite to caregivers, prevent the early onset of institutionalization, decrease emergency room visits and hospitalization, provide medical monitoring and care, food service, therapeutic activities, social services, transportation, and so much more. 

In my opinion, we are the key in reducing the overall expenditure of federal dollars, by providing services that keep clients healthy and assist them in maintaining a positive quality of life through our programs. People's livelihood and lives depend on these programs. Attempting to cut funding is the wrong choice. Every single dollar is streamlined into the community. The result is that our services produce an overall savings in government expenditures.

Why take away from those that are doing a good job? We are nurturing these souls at a very tender state in their lives. We are the other alternative. We are the answer to the questions...how to save? Easy: Adult Day Health Care!  Every great philosopher will tell you that once you have taken the person out of the cave and into the sunshine, he doesn't want to get back into the cave.  We have brought this ray of sunshine to these seniors and there is no room for moving backward. We must continue to provide consistent services, without disruption.

New Jersey is faced with many challenges and obstacles. Cooperation with the Department of Health and Senior Services and unity throughout the industry is what is needed to maintain the high standards and quality of care for those that we serve, as well as for the businesses that serve them.