SAGE Spend-A-Day Medical Adult Day Care

Spend-A-Day is the medical adult day care program of SAGE Eldercare, a Summit nonprofit, and has served older adults and their caregivers since 1975. It is meant for older adults who want to keep living at home, people who need medical support or a structured day, and caregivers who need respite. Each participant has an individual care plan drawn up with the family, the physician and SAGE's nurse, social worker and recreation team. Families describe relatives who look forward to attending, make friends and are well looked after, and one reviewer says her mother has attended for almost five years. It is licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health as an Adult Day Health Services Facility for up to 64 participants.

Nurses support participants with medical conditions, including giving medications, and staff help with toileting and walking. Physical, occupational and speech therapists work on site, and a social worker supports participants and families. The recreation team runs memory activities, group discussions, active games, exercise, holiday celebrations and guest entertainers. A light breakfast, a lunch planned by a registered dietitian and daily snacks are served.

The program is at 290 Broad St, Summit, NJ 07901, and runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. year-round (closed most major holidays); participants can attend one to five days a week with no minimum. SAGE accepts Medicaid through participating plans including Horizon and UnitedHealthcare, does not accept Medicare, and says some families may qualify for help through New Jersey's Alzheimer's Adult Day Services Program or veterans benefits. Union County residents can ride Union County Paratransit ($8 each way at last listing). To arrange a tour, call (908) 273-5550.