A ‘Special Place’ for Persons with Memory Loss

North Shore Senior Center Hosts Annual Benefit for

House of Welcome Adult Day Services-Sept. 18th

Many people think an Alzheimer’s diagnosis means that life is over, but North Shore Senior Center’s House of Welcome Adult Day Services works hard to disprove that notion and show that persons living with memory loss issues can still engage and enjoy life.

“It’s a really special place,” says Wilma Tunick, whose husband spent time at the House of Welcome as a volunteer, employee and participant in the day services programs. “At a difficult time, it was so nice to know that my husband was in a safe environment.”

House of Welcome Adult Day Services has been providing specialized programs designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals with memory loss since 1983. Several newer programs focus on providing socialization, stimulation and support for persons diagnosed with early memory loss. Respite, support and education also are provided for family members and caregivers.

Perhaps even more important than the high-quality services it provided to her family, Tunick says House of Welcome Adult Day Services gave her husband, who formerly had a career as auctioneer, a sense of meaning and purpose in his later years.

The House of Welcome meant so much to Tunick and her husband that she continues to volunteer with the organization and is serving as this year’s co-chair for its 2011 benefit, “Blossoming in Our Garden.” Margo Oberman also is co-chairing the event.

The fundraiser, taking place Sunday, September 18 at North Shore Senior Center in Northfield, Ill., will include a cocktail reception, silent auction, catered dinner and grand raffle drawing. Grand raffle prizes include $1000 cash, an Amish heirloom quilt, a two-night stay at the Trump International Hotel & Tower, trips to Florida, New York City and Arizona and more. Entertainer Ross Lehman also will provide a mix of songs and stories.

The annual benefit is the single largest source of financial support for House of Welcome Adult Day Services, and the proceeds supplement the facility’s sliding fee scale. All participants’ fees for the day program are subsidized, and many participants receive scholarships based on economic need.

Marni Smith, development and marketing services manager for the North Shore Senior Center, says the House of Welcome truly reflects its name. “It’s a welcoming place. It feels like a home and offers a uniquely personal place for care.”

Tunick says the experienced staff members treat participants and families on a very individual level. “The staff is really there for you in the good times and the not so good times,” she says. “And it’s a bright, happy place. Nobody dwells on the negative and it’s a very positive environment. I can’t imagine the world without a House of Welcome.”

Benefit reservations are $200 per person; grand raffle tickets are $25 each or six for $100.

For more information about House of Welcome Adult Day Services and North Shore Senior Center, visit www.nssc.org