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Caregivers and residents urge supervisors to help save ADAKC adult day program
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Summary
Multiple speakers told the board the Alzheimer's Disease Association of Kern County plans to shut a day program; they urged the board to help secure continuity of services or funding. Staff and supervisors asked commenters to meet with county representatives to explore options.
Speakers from families and local nonprofits urged the Kern County Board of Supervisors to help prevent closure of the Alzheimer's Disease Association of Kern County (ADAKC) adult day program, which multiple commenters said is scheduled to close.
Tamara Baker, executive director of ADAKC, summarized services the nonprofit provides and said the organization will launch a countywide dementia caregiver support hub on May 4 to expand support across Kern County. "We will provide support groups across Kern County, not just in one location," Baker said, and asked the board to refer families to ADAKC through county aging services.
Caregivers described the program as indispensable. Mary Lou Miller, who identified herself as a caregiver and retired nurse, said the day program helped her keep her husband at home and that its closure would leave families with few affordable options. "This daycare program can't close," she said, describing the program as a "hidden gem" and urging the board to help find a way to keep it operating.
Speakers repeated requests that county staff and supervisors meet with ADAKC leaders and explore referrals, funding and alternatives. Supervisor Capstone asked ADAKC representatives to provide contact information and meet with staff; Supervisor Flores and others noted existing county aging initiatives (including a PACE program in discussion) that might provide options going forward.
What happens next: supervisors asked staff to meet with ADAKC representatives and report back. Several board members invited the ADAKC representatives to supply contact details and to meet with the appropriate county staff to explore short-term and long-term options.
