Enriching


Each Day, Together


Adult Day Services has been part of the Landis story since 1989, when the first center opened in the lower level of Westview on the Landis Homes campus. It was Landis Homes’ first adventure in serving persons beyond residents of the retirement community. From the beginning, residents enjoyed volunteering in many ways at the center.


“ D


uring our middle years of married life,” Helen Hess shared, “we always talked about ways we might volunteer in our retirement years.”


Due to her husband Jim’s head injury, they made the decision to move to Landis Homes sooner than they planned. In 2005, they moved from Myerstown, PA, into a cottage.


One of the places on campus that Helen volunteered was at the Eden West Adult Day Services center. She arranged fresh flowers for their lunch tables and sometimes presented a program, like flower arranging.


“I love gardening and when I first saw the new outdoor patio space at Eden West a number of years ago, I imagined how I could make it look beautiful,” said Helen. Residents, employees and others, who saw her working in the beds, donated funds to help cover the expenses. She said she really enjoyed tending the beds for several years.


Jim started going to the adult day services center a number of years ago for just a half day a week at first and then for several days a week. Helen said, “He looked forward to going.”


Always a people person, she said Jim enjoyed the opportunity to mingle with other people and to


participate in the physical exercises and walks, classic films, reading aloud sessions, as well as the educational programs.


“One of my favorite experiences at the center was when my great-granddaughter, Lotte, joined me to demonstrate apple pie baking,” said Helen. “She was only 11 years old, and starting from scratch we made fresh pies that all could enjoy. It was a great educational experience for Lotte and she is still a baker today!”


“I am amazed at how the staff members gently guide him,” said Helen. “I see that same care in how they treat all of the participants. I do not know how they do it, but I see joy and compassion demonstrated by the team every day. Tey love and care for Jim and for me.”


Helen says in addition to knowing Jim is in a good space, the center has also supported her since she is free to do the things she needs to do as well as have free time to volunteer or connect with others. She even wrote a book of family history.


“I thank God so often that we are here,” says Helen. “I am so relaxed. And we are both so happy the center has opened up again!”


Landis.org | FLOURISH | Spring 2021 • 21


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