House Springs center offers alternative for nursing care
Don’t think of “adult day care” as “for seniors only.”
So says registered nurse Nikki White of Caregivers Choice, a skilled nursing care provider that serves adults (18 and older) both in clients’ homes and in the company’s new facility in House Springs.
“A large portion of our purpose is seniors,” White said. “But we (also) take the young lady I’ll care for today. She’s an adult in her 20s (who has) special needs; she’s developmentally disabled.”
Social restrictions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic make these personal-care services – including life-skills development – that much more vitally needed.
“With this COVID situation, it’s just opened the door for parents (to seek care options),” White said.
The company’s 2,000-square-foot facility, 12 Gravois Station Road, provides “adult day health.”
White and an employee with medical training provide medication assistance, coordination of care with primary care doctors, medical monitoring and supervision, as well as a range of social programs (exercise, crafts and recreational activities) typical to an adult day care setting.
White said her company is filling a largely unmet need in Jefferson County: an affordable alternative to in-home skilled nursing care.
She opened the Caregivers Choice facility in May after a three-month delay caused by the COVID-induced economic shutdown. The facility is following all safety guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Our participants enjoy our home-away-from-home atmosphere, where they are supported by our caregivers to help them maintain independence for as long as possible,” she said.
It’s a big step forward for White, 48, who entered the nursing profession five years ago after getting her education at Maryville University. The former ICU nurse still works as an independent contractor, too, for schools, community centers and even other adult day care providers.
“I’ve always been a nurturer; always felt compassion for those in need,” White said.
