Group offers supervised care for adults who need help

The Salvation Army's Friendship Circle Adult Day Care program helps Las Vegas Valley residents who can't care for themselves.

"For those individuals who may have to work, we provide a means for families to get supervised care for their loved ones," says Sharon Evans, director of the nonprofit organization, which operates from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 830 E. Lake Mead Parkway in Henderson.

Clients generally are seniors who are grappling with debilitating health conditions, and are in the care of their spouses or adult children. (The need for adult day care has increased as the population ages and adults opt not to place their older loved ones in nursing homes.)

Friendship Circle also cares for the developmentally delayed.

"We're one of the few programs that offer services to both these groups," Evans says. "For those who can no longer go to the school system, we're able to get them into a structured environment and continue to offer them services in an effort to help socialization for them."

Currently, 61 clients are enrolled. Although the capacity is 49, Evans explains, there are "always a few who don't require our services on any given day."

Day and restorative activities are provided by 24 staff members, one of whom is a registered nurse, and 10 to 12 volunteers. Cost for the program is $45 a day per client, although many clients may be eligible to receive financial help.

Applicants, who must be at least 21 years old, are referred by a doctor or another agency. The nurse then evaluates whether they're appropriate for the program. Interested parties also may visit the facility to obtain an assessment form to present to their family doctor.

Friendship Circle, established in 1985, operates on a budget of $585,000 a year -- 70 percent of which is funded by state agencies, the rest through private donations. Additional donations and volunteers are always needed.

Call 565-8836 for more information.