Susan Ricci of Riverdale is completing a health assessment check before making her way to the table she sits at every day. It's at the GuildCare Adult Day Health Care Program at Lighthouse Guild, the organization that has been providing services for the visually impaired for more than a century.
What You Need To Know
- GuildCare is an Adult Day Health Care Program at Lighthouse Guild
- The program is for those who are visually impaired or have other chronic medical conditions
- A range of medical services are offered as well as activities and social interaction
- Lighthouse Guild has been providing services for those who are visually impaired for more than a century
Ricci has been blind since birth, and as part of vision therapy, she finds her way around the activity room through a series of ropes, rails, and even raised raised bumps on the radiator.
"She's being really taught to navigate this environment, we try to really empower them to be as independent as possible in this environment," said Patricia Rincon the Director of GuildCare Manhattan
GuildCare provides a variety of services and activities for its more than 100 clients. Most of them are visually impaired, but the program welcomes individuals with other chronic health issues.
"We offer services to all ranges of disability whether it's physical disability, vision or speech, so we are really, really proud of the programs we are doing here," said Calvin W. Roberts, MD, President and CEO of Lighthouse Guild.
GuildCare had to shut down in mid-March of 2020 because of the pandemic, and clients say it was rough being isolated at home not being able to take advantage of the program for all of those months.
"I am home so stressed out being locked up in the house and all like that so it's nice being out again," said Shirley Seton.
"I'm so happy it came back," said Armita Harris, another client.
There is the nursing care, morning snack and lunch, and therapeutic activities like horse racing and Wheel of Fortune-type games that are crowd favorites.
"This is why they come, they come for the fun, and they come to be together," said Carol Stokes, Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor for GuildCare.
Client Albert Harris couldn't agree more, he is glad to be back with friends at GuildCare.
"You know once get used to something you stick with it if you can, you know, I like it here, I really do," said Harris.
Find out more here or call 716-285-3499.