HISTORY
In 1987, a $20,000 bequest was made to the St. Charles Congregational United Church of Christ. The bequest stipulated that the money be used to establish a senior citizen program. Local ministers identified the need for programs designed for the less mobile senior elderly and their families. The Church researched the concept of Adult Day Care which was a new concept in the United States at that time. The Adult Day Care model was conceived in the United Kingdom in 1970’s as a push towards deinstitutionalization of seniors who were prematurely placed in nursing homes. The goal was to keep senior citizens in their communities, homes and with families for as long as possible. Independence was a key tenant of Adult Day Care, even back in its initial stages.
The Elderday Center Board of Directors, established in 1989, included representation from the Tri City area churches and professionals, including the health care field. The Northeastern Area Agency on Aging, Community Contacts, local social service agencies, hospital discharge planners and churches were used as resources in identifying the need and in designing the Elderday program.
The Elderday program was the first Adult Day Care program in the area and Elderday opened its doors in November of 1990. A fulltime director and part time activity director were employed to operate the program. The program had three clients and operated two days per week.
