Santa Cruz, CA β Elderday Adult Day Health Care, a program of Community Bridges, will temporarily halt its in-person services for two to three weeks in response to a rise in local COVID-19 infections following recent holiday gatherings.Β
Located at 100 Pioneer St. in Santa Cruz, Elderdayβs medical model outpatient day program provides care for older adults with complex medical conditions, dementia, and people with disabilities. Elderday serves about 150 of Santa Cruz Countyβs most vulnerable residents annually.Β
The temporary pause in services, which will last for at least 10 days, will result in this essential program losing between $60,000 to $80,000 in average daily attendance funding, the single largest source of funding for Adult Day Health Care programs across the state. βThe decision to pause services was necessary to put client health first and prevent further community spread amongst our vulnerable populationβ stated Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino.Β
Elderday will continue providing remote services during the closure to assure that our participants are not left without essential medical care and support they need to stay safely in their homes.Β Β
Along with rising COVID-19 infections, hospitals locally are reporting an influx of patients with flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) this holiday season. The rise in cases underscores the importance of wearing a mask when and where necessary and getting vaccinated against the flu and being up to date with your COVID-19 booster. Vaccines remain your best defense to limit severe illness and deathβand you can get both at the same time.Β
For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the County of Santa Cruz Public Health website, www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus. For more information about the flu vaccine and RSV, visit the California Department of Public Health website, www.cdph.ca.gov.Β Β
About ElderdayΒ
Elderday is an adult day health care center that allows older adults and people with disabilities to live at home with independence and dignity. At Elderday, participants benefit from nursing care, physical and occupational therapies, referral to resources, therapeutic activities, healthy meals and access to onsite mental health and nutrition services. Week-day hours make it possible for participants to stay independent and in their own homes for as long as possible, while offering family members and caregivers well-deserved respite. Elderday is free for those eligible for Medi-Cal. Costs can also be covered by the Veteranβs Administration, long-term care insurance, or private pay on a sliding scale. Transportation to the center is also provided.Β
ABOUT COMMUNITY BRIDGESΒ
Community Bridges envisions a thriving community where every person has the opportunity to unleash their full potential. Together, our family of programs delivers essential services, provides equitable access toβ―resources, and advocates for health and dignity across every stage of life. To learn more, please visitβ―www.communitybridges.org.Β
The Community Bridges family of programs includes the Child & Adult Care Food Program, Child Development Division, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), La Manzana Community Resources, Live Oak Community Resources, Mountain Community Resources, Nueva Vista Community Resources, Elderday Adult Day Health Care, Lift Line and Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County.Β
