Project Independence at Elderly Services

Project Independence has been run by the nonprofit Elderly Services Inc. since 1981, in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Center on Exchange Street in Middlebury. It offers a closely supervised daytime home away from home for elders whose independence has lessened because of chronic illness, disability or advanced age. Each participant has an individualized care plan, and activities are planned for people with sharp minds as well as those with memory problems. Reviewers describe a good place for elders to socialize while caregivers get a break, though one says the center declined a wheelchair user who needed toileting help. It is listed by the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) as an adult day provider.

Staff include activity leaders, registered nurses, social workers, cooks and van drivers. Care includes medication management, nursing care, toileting, medical monitoring, mobility help, counseling and a caregiver support group. Participants get a light breakfast, a hot noon dinner, an afternoon snack and supper, with special diets accommodated, and activities range from music, art and cooking to trivia, exercise, drama, visiting pets and field trips. Elderly Services runs handicapped-accessible vans throughout Addison County and is expanding transportation to Chittenden and Rutland counties.

Project Independence is at 112 Exchange St, Middlebury, VT 05753. It is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Fees are hourly, and some participants may qualify for Veterans Administration or Medicaid waiver coverage or partial scholarship aid. Call (802) 388-3983 to arrange a tour or interview.