Day habilitation programs for adults with disabilities provide a myriad of benefits, but only if you’re making the most of what these programs have to offer. With full immersion in a day habilitation program, enrollees and their families can expect to experience improved social skills, greater confidence, respite for caregivers, and more.
What Is Day Habilitation?
Day habilitation programs for adults with disabilities at Opportunity Village are broken into two different program categories.
The first is the PRIDE program, which is tailored to suit the needs of adults with disabilities requiring 24-hour support, supervision, and care. Participants in the PRIDE program will enjoy outings and activities supported by a full-time trained nursing staff and direct support professionals.
The second program is the Enable program, which is geared toward adults with physical and intellectual disabilities but who do not require the same level of care as those in the PRIDE program. Participants in the Enable day habilitation program may enjoy community outings, ASL classes, reading classes, pet therapy, reading classes, volunteering, skills training, and general socialization.
These programs and services are open to adults with disabilities who are at least 18 years of age and have a Document of Disability, or DOD, from a physician.
Why Is Habilitation Important?
Loved ones may wonder why habilitation programs for adults with disabilities are so important. Opportunity Village day habilitation programs can help to prepare adults with disabilities with the skills they need to live fuller, happier, and more satisfying lives. These programs provide opportunities for socialization to help adults with disabilities to avoid loneliness or feeling a lack of connection, and they provide inclusivity throughout the greater Las Vegas community.
While the PRIDE and Enable programs are different and cater to those with different abilities, they both share many common goals. Day habilitation programs for adults with disabilities at Opportunity Village strive to provide individualized support, learning, socialization, and fulfillment for enrollees.
Opportunity Village day habilitation programs don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach, allowing for individualized goals for adults with individuals and their families.
Making The Most Of Your Time In Day Habilitation: The Benefits Of Full-Time Day Habilitation Programs
The full-time enrollment of the day habilitation program enables adults with disabilities and their families to make the absolute most of what these programs have to offer. These programs are held for 6 hours per day and are attended 5 days per week.
Some specific benefits include:
- Increased community participation – Day habilitation programs for adults with disabilities at Opportunity Village provide opportunities for enrollees to get out and get involved in their communities. Not only does this build social, customer service, and practical skills, but it builds connections that benefit both those enrolled and the communities they live in.
- Additional respite for caregivers – According to The Cleveland Clinic, studies have shown that more than 60% of caregivers experience burnout. Both the PRIDE and Enable programs allow caregivers some respite time they can spend looking after themselves in order to allow some self care time.
- Additional skills development – The more time a person spends in a day habilitation program, the more skills development they can expect to receive. The full-time Opportunity Village programs help enrollees to not just develop their skills, but to keep sharp over time so they avoid taking steps backward.
- Structured routine – A structured daily routine is beneficial for anyone, and this rings true for adults with disabilities as well. Getting used to this routine can help to prepare enrollees for entering the workforce, where they’ll experience a structured routine each day at work, as well as give them a calm and comfortable schedule they can rely on.
- More opportunity for social engagement – Over 40% of adults with disabilities report feelings of loneliness throughout their lives. Opportunity Village full-time day habilitation programs provide daily social engagement for adults with disabilities where they can learn and have fun with peers, as well as interact and serve the community at large. This social engagement doesn’t only benefit while at the program, it builds the social skills adults can use to continue engaging in positive interactions for a lifetime.
Overcoming The Hurdles
For caregivers, there are some challenges often cited when it comes to enrolling in a full-time day habilitation program. Some of these hurdles, and how Opportunity Village’s programs can help, include:
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Las Vegas Mobility Training Center buses displaying artwork by Opportunity Village Day Habilitation program participants.
Rides to and from the program – For caregivers, transportation can be a big challenge in getting adults with disabilities to their daily programs. Mobility training with RTC focuses on helping adults with disabilities to understand fixed routes they can take to their day habilitation programs. Carpooling can help to offset the responsibility of making it to and from day habilitation programs each day. If neither option works with you, Opportunity Village Family Advocacy may be able to assist with additional resources.
- Schedule, work, or family commitments – Scheduling barriers can come up when it comes to full-time day habilitation programs. We encourage families to speak with their case managers to discuss any scheduling challenges so the best fit can be found and future adjustments taken into consideration.
- Expenses – Expenses are one of the biggest hurdles or challenges for families of adults with disabilities. At Opportunity Village, we want to make sure our programs are available and accessible. Most of the programming that Opportunity Village offers to adults with disabilities is offered at low or no cost.
- Illness/Health Issues – Illnesses and health are another major concern for many families of adults with disabilities. While socialization builds valuable and important skills, it can also lead to greater exposure to potential illnesses. For individuals with health concerns and their families, this can present a sizable issue. Keeping up with nutrition, focusing on hand washing and hygiene skills, and staying on top of any potential symptoms can allow individuals to benefit from day habilitation programs while staying on top of health.
Opportunity Village is more than just a program – it’s a thriving community where adults with disabilities can flourish. Help your loved one become an active part of this supportive network by encouraging full participation. Explore Opportunity Village’s Day Programs as your local resource in Las Vegas.
