Live Oak
Nourishing the elderly has its rewards

Willow Glen Resident, February 23, 2007
by Mayra Flores De Marcotte

The activity never ends at the Willow Glen Live Oak Adult Day Services' home on Minnesota Avenue. [at right: Full of Spirit: Live Oak Adult Day Services participant Sarah Ungles enjoys the exercise and music class]

The senior center provides programming and socialization for frail elderly and seniors who suffer from Alzheimer's, dementia and other age-related problems.

"Our program's goal is to rebuild family unity and harmony by giving our seniors something to look forward to," says Live Oak Adult Day executive director Colleen Hudgen. "It keeps them connected to the community, making them feel alive."

Live Oak has five locations, including its main office in Willow Glen. The Willow Glen location can care for 30 seniors at a time, Hudgen says.

Many of the seniors who attend the center live with family members. Those who suffer from Alzheimer's, dementia and other age-related problems require greater supervision and support compared to individuals attending traditional senior centers, such as the Willows Senior Center, Hudgen says.

"They have health problems and issues, but when they're with us, they can focus on having fun," Hudgen says. "Seniors get to get out of the house and make friends."

Live Oak's programs offer a respite for caregivers and give seniors important stimulation and social interaction, Hudgen says.

The volunteers, however, are what make the program so successful, Hudgen says.

"Our clients get inundated with mental and physical stimulation every day because of our volunteers," she says. "The wonderful and exciting activities are all thanks to our volunteers. They bring new energy and life to the program."

[at right: Knowledge: Live Oak Adult Day Services participant Madge Jenkins is all smiles after winning a stuffed animal during a current events quiz, a weekly activity for those who frequent the Willow Glen day services center.]

Volunteers range from preschoolers to college students completing their internships. They read to the seniors, tell stories, talk about current events, help with crafts and bring in their pets.

"Many community members support the program," Hudgen says.

One volunteer was out walking his dog at night and noticed the old building.

"He said to us 'What a beautiful building,' and we said, 'What a beautiful dog,' " she says.

The dog owner came in and showed his dog to the seniors and has been volunteering ever since.

A group of Willow Glen mothers named "Mothers and More" also volunteer at the center, helping the seniors make crafts for their families.

The women come in while pregnant and then return after giving birth so the seniors get to know the babies, Hudgen says.

"The babies love the seniors, and the seniors love the babies," she says.

It's connections such as these that keep volunteers coming back and make the program so enjoyable.

"It's a win-win situation," Hudgen adds.

The senior center opened its first location in Los Gatos in 1983. In October 1999, it opened in Willow Glen and moved its main offices to Minnesota Avenue. The offices are in the former home of Paul and May Clark, which was built in 1913. It was completely restored. The main house connects to an interior hallway that leads into the newly constructed adult center.

Live Oak Adult Day Services is at 1147 Minnesota Ave. For more information, call 408.971.9363 or visit www.liveoakadultdaycare.org.