SunnyDay Adult Day Health Care as I Know It
Who can foresee the countless turns that life may take? The woman with whom I pledged sisterhood in my youth and I met by chance and were reunited by fate. After our lives had carried us more than halfway around the world, from young adulthood into old age, our deep affection unexpectedly came together again at SunnyDay Adult Day Health Care in Los Angeles. While I was living in Houston, I had already heard much about this community organization founded on love, because my sworn sister often spoke so highly of it. Yet it seemed beyond my reach, so I could only keep it buried deep in my memory.
My son transferred to a job in Rhode Island. I could not follow him to the bitterly cold East Coast, and some unconscious pull instead brought me to Los Angeles. My sworn sister raised the subject again and urged me, “If you go to SunnyDay, you will certainly like it.” For many years, however, apart from enjoying travel, I had preferred activities at home. In addition to keeping house, I tended flowers and plants, became absorbed in television dramas, and practiced painting and calligraphy in my leisure time. I kept apart from groups without living in loneliness and was quite content. My children, who lived in other states, worried about me greatly. Influenced by their aunt, they also kept encouraging me to visit. Unable to refuse, I agreed to look before making a decision. On the appointed day, Mr. Liu welcomed me and briefly introduced the center’s many facilities and activities: exercise equipment, rehabilitation therapy, chess and mahjong rooms, cultural lectures, Chinese studies and calligraphy, singing, dancing and fitness—everything one could want. My first impression was excellent, so I decided to try it. I obtained a statement from my family physician and submitted it for review. It appeared that I met the requirements and could begin with a trial visit. I started on July 11, using the center’s transportation. On my first ride, the vehicle was nearly full, and reaching a seat in the last row required me to move sideways through a tight space. I hesitated because it was difficult. Just then, a woman rose despite her stooped posture and moved farther back, sparing me that extra step. I was sincerely grateful and felt that she was a kindred spirit. I, too, often find myself helping others, though I tend to do so quietly. Her readiness to see a need and act immediately was admirable. Later, when I read her writing, I found her heartfelt descriptions vivid and penetrating. If society had more people like her, the unhealthy tendency toward conflict and selfish competition would surely diminish.
Day after day at the center, I gradually became part of the group. The government approved me to attend three days a week, but at first I thought that would take too much time, so I attended only two. Once I came to understand the true character of this community, however, its irresistible attraction drew me in, and I changed my mind and began attending all three days. The older adults gathered here come from many places. Among them are learned scholars, military leaders and heroes. Although I could not yet tell one person from another, everyone was gracious and friendly. As they moved to and fro, the center seemed to me like a great garden: secluded orchids of quiet distinction; modest gentlemen of noble character; rich and brilliant peonies; proud, upright pines and cypresses; and fragrant grasses filling the garden. It is an earthly paradise without quarrels or contention.
The center has a remarkable power to bring people together. Every staff member embodies the caring principle, “Honor our own elders and extend the same respect to the elders of others.” Their affectionate greetings and attentive support make the center feel like one harmonious extended family. When the doors open, smiling older adults are there to welcome one another.
Nutritious breakfasts and lunches are served every day, with the menus varied thoughtfully. Monthly birthday celebrations, holiday activities and garden parties delight the older adults, soften the marks left by passing years and keep everyone smiling. When the temperature falls, each older adult is promptly given a thick blanket. Wrapped in it while watching television, one feels especially warm.
The arrangements inside the center could hardly be more complete, and every other week there is a special outing: a street near Disneyland, Universal CityWalk, the Getty Museum, Forest Park, or a concert hall with distinctive architecture. For longer trips, everyone receives a tasty snack box; for nearby outings, several tables are reserved at a restaurant for a special meal. Grocery-shopping trips to the supermarket are also arranged every other week. Everything is planned with great thoughtfulness. Each morning, the nursing room is the busiest place, checking blood pressure and blood sugar. Its sincere practice of caring for participants as though they were family never fails to move me. The drivers, too, carefully help everyone on and off the vehicles. They are always smiling, never impatient and never neglectful. My spouse and I feel fortunate to attend SunnyDay Adult Day Health Care. We are truly satisfied and happy. I have written this brief account of what I have seen to express my heartfelt gratitude.