Perham Living’s Adult Day Services program provides social and health services to adults who need supervised care. The program offers loved ones a safe place to be that is filled with companionship and meaningful activities.

Its home-like setting feels comfortable to participants, and allows their caregivers time to work, run errands or take time for themselves.

Meet Nayeli Limon-Ramirez, Adult Day Services Program Coordinator.

Nayeli Limon-Ramirez is the Adult Day Services Program Coordinator. As a coordinator, she has a variety of roles.

“Whenever someone is interested in the program or we have a new person that wants to start, I help with the admissions process. I work with a nurse to meet with each new participant to go over their personal goals for the program, find out the kinds of activities they like, learn if there are any skills they need to work on and the types of health care needs they have. Then we create a care plan that is unique to them,” explains Nayeli.

She is also in charge of activities, and spends time coming up with fun and meaningful things to do. She creates a monthly activity calendar so participants know what is happening each day.

What’s a typical day like?

When participants arrive in the morning, they start with a morning snack. Then they exercise. “We might head to Perham Living’s Town Center for exercises or do them here. We have a walking club that walks all around the facility. If it’s nice out, we will be outside,” she says.

Around 11:30 or 12, lunch is served. The rest of the day is spent doing all kinds of activities such as music, playing games, doing puzzles or going on adventures. When it’s summertime, participants are out and about in the community, and during the winter, they join in activities offered at Town Center or come up with fun activities to do here.

“In the summer, you won’t really see us here at all. The participants choose restaurants in different towns to eat at, and when it’s someone’s birthday, we take them out to celebrate. We go to the zoo and fair every summer. We have a Ranger that we take out and go all around town, and we have bikes too. Sometimes, we go out to the courtyard and hang out in the sun,” explains Nayeli.

Best Part of her Job

“I love all the activities, especially in the summer. Not everybody has a job where they get to do fun stuff all day. It’s awesome. I also love the relationships with our participants. We become very close, and they teach me a lot of life lessons. If I’m struggling with anything, they give me advice. We also get very close to family members and caregivers. Being a caregiver can be hard. They trust us with their loved one and they’ll talk to us when they’re struggling with something,” shares Nayeli.

What makes her job challenging

“The toughest part of my job is when someone needs to leave the program. We get very close and it’s especially hard when they need to leave because they are declining,” she says.

What got her interested in the job

Nayeli started working at Perham Living as a resident assistant in memory care. When a job opened up to be a resident assistant in the Adult Day Services program, she considered it, but wasn’t sure.

“I was nervous and wasn’t sure it would be the right fit for me. A nurse encouraged me to apply, and her encouragement made me decide to go for it. I’m so glad I did. I wouldn’t change it for anything,” she says.

After some time as a resident assistant, Nayeli took over the program coordinator position. The job requires a two year degree or similar volunteer experience.

What advice she has for someone looking for a job in the Adult Day Program

“This job is fun. The main focus is on keeping our participants active. If you like variety, being outdoors, doing fun activities, and visiting with people then go for it. It’s worth it,” she encourages.

What she likes about working for Perham Living

Nayeli has worked for Perham Living for almost four years and loves it. “They do a bunch of stuff for employees and really make you feel appreciated. It’s a very nice place to work, and they have good benefits,” she says.

What she wishes people knew about Adult Day Services

Nayeli has noticed that sometimes caregivers or family are afraid to try Adult Day Services and feel guilty about using it. She wants people to know that their loved one will be well taken care of and will have companionship and meaningful activities to do.

“I encourage people to give it a try. People think of us like a day care, but it is so much more than that. We provide stimulating activities that they might not get at home. Being a caregiver is hard work both physically and emotionally, and a lot of caregivers don’t realize how much they need a break. It’s important for them to take care of themselves too,” she says. “You’ll never know how great it can be for both you and your loved one if you don’t give it a try”

Learn more about Adult Day Services.