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Adult Day Program |
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KING ADULT DAY PROGRAM (KADEP)  Some people who live with multiple sclerosis and other acquired neurological conditions have difficulty functioning independently and fully engaging in community life. Limited opportunities for social interaction and personal growth can lead to a sense of isolation, lack of purpose and depression. The physical and emotional demands of care giving can create a profound struggle for families who cannot be available 24 hours a day. Remaining at home with family or living independently in the community can sometimes feel like an overwhelming challenge for everyone involved.The King Adult Day Enrichment Program (KADEP) is an innovative, community-based and cost-effective day program alternative to nursing home placement for younger adults with MS, brain injury and other neurological conditions. KADEP provides a dynamic array of classes and activities, nursing care and other services designed to enhance the physical, emotional, cognitive and social wellbeing of each participant. Offering vital weekday respite and peace of mind to caregivers, KADEP strives to maximize the functioning, independence, wellness and life enjoyment of all who attend.  A program of the Rocky Mountain MS Center, KADEP is a unique community resource in several ways. While there are numerous day programs for the elderly, KADEP is the only certified program in the Denver area designed specifically for younger adults. The breadth and depth of KADEP programming offer unparalleled choices to participants with widely ranging abilities and interests. A visit to KADEP reveals its uniqueness as a close and supportive community of participants, staff, volunteers and student interns who deeply value their time together. Indeed, KADEP is an extraordinary place of friendship and personal development in a safe, inclusive and life-affirming environment.KADEP opened in January of 1991with four participants. Today the program serves more than 145 people each week, averaging 60 per day. Participants may choose from more than 65 weekly exercise, recreational, educational and social groups and outings to learn new skills and to cultivate an independent, healthy and rewarding life experience.  Weekly morning and afternoon classes change every trimester and cover a variety of compelling topics and formats. Some recent offerings include Gardening, Tai Chi, Brain Teasers, Stress Management, Surfing the Net, Batik, Basic Cooking, Current Events, Bugs and Slugs, Memory Book Making, Hydrotherapy, Rockies Nation, Women’s Health, The Art of Giving, Adaptive Dance, Men’s Group, Poetry, Bowling, Movie Critics Corner, Yoga, The 1970s, Wheelchair Driver’s Education and Crossword Puzzles. Ongoing outings include trips to stores, movies, museums, sports venues and other community destinations. KADEP stages three camping trips each year that combine adaptive outdoor sports with overnight respite for caregivers. Supervised by an on-site registered nurse, KADEP’s nursing services include medication supervision, assistance with personal care needs and continuous health monitoring that emphasizes the prevention of secondary medical problems. On-call neurology care is always available.  KADEP’s team of certified therapeutic recreation specialists, exercise specialists, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, a social worker, a registered nurse and other staff work closely with participants and families to address personal needs, preferences and goals. Each client is matched with a staff personal care coordinator and benefits from an individual care plan. Volunteers and student interns are important members of the KADEP community. Opportunities for volunteering include teaching classes, one-to-one client assistance, organizing events, special projects and skills sharing that directly impact the lives of KADEP participants. Most participants utilize Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver funds to pay for KADEP program fees and transportation. KADEP also accepts reimbursement from the Veterans Administration, the Brain Injury Waiver, some private insurers and other third party sources. Sliding scales fees are available for private pay participants with lower incomes. Since HCBS only partially subsidizes actual program expenses, the Rocky Mountain MS Center depends on charitable contributions from individuals, foundations and other private sources to cover costs.  KADEP is open weekdays from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Breakfast and lunch are served daily, with special diets and snacks, as needed.To schedule a tour of this innovative day enrichment program, call 303-433-6887. |