Adult Enrichment Center Cares for Elderly and Disabled

Everyone is peaceful and safe, comfortably reclining in chairs. Some converse with friends or participate in a low-key card game. Others are content to simply enjoy some music or to read a good book in solitude.

This is a typical scene in the Adult Enrichment Center, a nonprofit organization that provides alternative care for disabled or elderly adults.

“Every time I walk in, I feel relaxed,” Community Outreach and Development Coordinator Jennifer Gonzales said. “It’s just a good, comfortable, relaxing safe space.”

Many caregivers have a busy schedule during the day and are in need of a place for their loved one to stay while they are at work. The center gives caregivers the option to admit the elderly or disabled person to the facility. The enrichment center then cares for the clients until the caregiver is available to pick them up for the evening.

The facility provides many activities and services for their clients. An on-staff nurse is available to administer prescriptions and monitor the health of the clients. Furthermore, certified nurses and assistants are available to assist with care such as bathing and grooming.

“Anything that you would hope and expect anyone to have during the day, we can provide it,” Gonzales said.

Activities include exercise, music and games and are regulated by an activity director. Lunch and snacks are also provided for clients.

The organization has been operating in the Concho Valley since 1987. Those who have a loved one that needs care during the day are welcome to call the enrichment center’s office at 942-9253 or visit the center itself. The building is located on 7146 Appaloosa Trail and Rio Concho West. Additionally, the center is holding an open house of the facilities on September 8 from 6 p.m to 7:30 p.m.

According to Gonzales, the AEC's services are relatively inexpensive when compared to the cost of a nursing home or in-home care. More importantly, the center allows families to stay together in the same home.

“Making the decision to put a loved one in a nursing home is very difficult,” Gonzales said. “It’s difficult on the family and it’s difficult on that specific person. So the adult enrichment center presents a good alternative to nursing homes.”