This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 204th installment visiting with Lisa Hicks, owner of Grace Adult Day Center which offers day-long or short day programs that allow people with needs a chance to leave the house and be involved with others socially.
Describe more about this business. I have desire to serve my community. I have been a Nurse for many years, Owned a Child Care for 20 years and I believe our Senior community is overlooked as a whole.
An adult day care gives one a chance to enjoy being on one’s own in a safe and caring environment, time away from the family, and to do things with others like them.
Participants enjoy control over the activities they choose to do, increasing a sense of well-being; an important factor in rehabilitation or recovery.
Adult day care improves patient and caregiver relationships too. These are often strained due to stressful situations; a major reason people with needs move to a nursing home. Caring for older adults or another person with activities of daily living needs puts overwhelming stress on families.
Adult day care relieves them for several hours a day, allowing family members some time on their own.
How did you get started? I have been a Licensed Nurse for 37 years and a Child Care Center owner for 20 years. I worked for Tn Area Agency on Aging and Disability for many years and I know that this population is not only growing daily but also hugely under served. I experienced this with my own parents and I am aware of the care giver obstacles and burdens. My desire is to strengthen what remains.
What do you enjoy most about your business? I love people of all ages and I truly just want to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I believe we are a great Community resource and the only licensed Adult Day Care in Blount County.