Nashville, TN — The Adult Day Program of Catholic Charities of Tennessee will host an Open House on Thursday, Sept. 22 from 2:30 until 5:30 p.m. at the program's location at St. Mary Villa campus, 30 White Bridge Road. The Open House will be an opportunity for caregivers and family members to meet with staff and learn about the benefits of the adult day program, which can serve 19 participants. Established in 1983, the program was one of the first of its kind in Middle Tennessee to serve senior adults requiring supervision because of health or disability problems. The program is open to people of every religious, racial and ethnic group. It operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., to accommodate the schedules of caregivers who work. The Adult Day Program periodically has openings for new participants.

"During the past 27 years, this program has served hundreds of families and individuals by providing quality programming in a safe, secure and caring environment," said Lynn Herman, director. "The program meets a real need in the community as it solves real problems for caregivers and their loved ones. It gives caregivers a respite time to take care of their own needs, be at work, go to appointments and run errands with peace-of-mind that comes from knowing their loved ones are in a setting that provides fellowship and quality care."

Herman added, "Another benefit for many families is that Adult Day Program services are less expensive than in-home caregiver services."

The program provides structure, stimulation and socialization for senior adults and offers the opportunity to enjoy games, storytelling, recreation, music, exercises, planned activities and cognitive activities. Participants, who enjoy the opportunity to make new friends, range in age from 45 to 95. Transportation is available within a five-mile radius of the program's location on White Bridge Road. Fees are based on a sliding scale. The program is licensed by the State of Tennessee.

The Catholic Charities Adult Day Program Open House event coincides with National Adult Day Services Week, Sept. 18-24. "Adult Day Services: Building and Supporting Communities" is the theme for the 2011 national observance. Approximately one in four U.S. households provide care to a relative or friend aged 50 or over. More than 150,000 older Americans participate in adult day center programs each day. Approximately 59 percent of the participants require assistance with at least two activities of daily living such as eating, bathing or dressing.

For additional information about the Adult Day Program or the Open House on Sept. 22, contact Lynn Herman at 615-760-4408 or visit www.cctenn.org.