Many older adults face a growing sense of isolation as neighbors move or their living situations change.

Those feelings of isolation can be magnified during the holidays.Finding a place where they can be with others of the same age can be the answer."Adult Day Services centers are professionally staffed, and they follow mandated state regulations," said Judi Ahram, the Immediate Past President of Pennsylvania Adult Day Services Association,

www.padsa.org."Most importantly, participants have a peer group that offers companionship and a sense of community," Ahram said.Anyone thinking of placing a loved one in an Adult Day Service program should start with a visit to the center."A visit to the center is very important, so do a preliminary visit before bringing their loved one," Ahram said. "It is most important, however, that the prospective participant visit the center and spend some time with their peer group.""The family should watch the interaction between the staff and their loved one as well as the other participants," she said."Adult Day programs vary tremendously, from one large group room to multiple simultaneous groups. Some have a "rest hour." Others have a philosophy of "keep busy and go home tired" - it's important that the family keep an open mind when visiting a center because the programs serve a wide range of people."Ahram said that family members may look around and think that none of the program participants are "like" their loved one. But a skilled staff will make every participant feel they are an important member of the community.Ahram named some other things to seek in an Adult Day Service facility:• Centers should include both a "quiet" and "active" space, with plenty to do.• Both participants and staff should look busy.• Ask for a menu and activity calendar.• Take a look in the bathrooms."Most importantly, are people smiling and do you see staff talking with the participants?" Ahram said. "Those can be another way to decide whether or not the center is the right place for your loved one."Dennis Neff of Tamaqua was getting bored with his daily routine. Yet when his family suggested he try DS Adult Day Services in Tamaqua, he at first resisted."Then I said I'd give it one month," Neff said. "And I really like it, look forward to it and have made new friends here."Recently, Dennis was busy with friends making bird feeders using peanut butter and pine cones.Darlene Smith, Locust Valley, said opening her own Adult Day Service business was a dream. DS is located in the South Tamaqua Plaza on Route 309, near Stoves 'N Stuff. It's open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."I was a CNA (certified nursing assistant) for 18 years," said Smith, the former Darlene Yoder. She worked at Hometown Nursing Center and also at the Tamaqua Day Care Center. "I've always liked the older people - they have a lot to share and so many great stories.""They deserve to enjoy their lives," she said. "Having a day care facility helps them remain in their homes."DS is a lot like home. There are two accessible bathrooms and even a single-chair beauty salon - staffed on Thursdays by Tracy Matsago. In addition to the living room and tables, there's a full kitchen."They love cooking class," said Judy Shartzer, one of the DS directors. "We make our own meals and snacks, and in cooking class we make dessert."A recent lunch menu included baked ziti, bread and apple sauce. Neff says there will be cake and ice cream for dessert."If you want to know about good food, ask a fat man," he joked. "Look around the room and it's easy to pick the one who knows about food - that would be me."Last Thursday's menu was even more special."It's our Thanksgiving meal," Smith said.The fare included a full-course holiday dinner. The aroma of roasting turkey filled the room, a meal accompanied by all of the trimmings.Smith said that several of the DS clients are brought to the center by the Schuylkill Transportation System, which is also used for day trips, such as outings to Heisler's Dairy Bar in Walker Township. Other activities include visits by therapy pets or "entertainers" who play guitar and help with singalongs."That's the only time you might not want to visit here," Neff said. "We can be a little rough with the singalongs."Anyone interesting in visiting DS or learning more about their services can call Darlene Smith at 570-225-0354 or 570-778-4998.