Senior TLC set to open in Shelby

Senior TLC, a community PACE program that provides full-service, personalized healthcare to seniors, is opening in Shelby.

The new facility, located at 103 T.R. Harris Drive, was constructed where the former life enrichment center used to be and is preparing to open its doors this summer.

Originally opened in Gastonia, the program has nearly 300 participants enrolled and was expanded to Cleveland County because of the need.

The program is for people ages 55 and up and provides a full range of services, including social, recreation, physical, medical and more, that is designed to help seniors stay in their homes, live as independently as possible, and meet the goals they have for their lives. There are social workers, occupational and physical therapists, and a medical team who all work together to create a personalized plan for each person.

PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) has been around for 10 years and is designed to meet the changing needs of seniors, often at no cost. The main center is in Gastonia, and it already provides services to many people in Shelby. The new Cleveland County facility will also service Rutherford County.

Cathy Kenzig, executive director, said they provide head-to-toe healthcare services and work on meeting all of their participants needs, whether that is at the facility or at their homes during what is the last chapter of people's lives.

"It's about helping folks who are the backbone of the community," she said.

Eduardo Quezada, director of community education and intake, said the Shelby facility is similar to the one in Gastonia. It offers day care services to seniors Monday through Friday who want to get out of the house and provides caretakers - often women juggling children and households and jobs - peace of mind knowing their parents are somewhere safe where their needs are being met.

There will be an array of activities, including walking groups, arts and crafts, Bingo and more.

Snacks and lunch are also provided, which helps address food insecurity issues for some seniors.

Quezada said people are asked what it is they like to do at home that they want to do at the center, or something new they would like to try.

It not only provides a social outlet and physical and mental stimulation, but it also meets medical needs with a provider and a senior-focused primary care clinic on-site.

Quezada said if someone isn't feeling well, they can get a same-day appointment with a provider and get any medications they need. If someone needs to see a specialist, they can help making appointments and provide transportation.

In addition to the day room, there are administrative offices for the care team, a low sensory room for people in varying stages of a dementia diagnosis which targets all five senses. It is a quiet space with special lighting and chairs and other textures for stimulation. Quezada said they use a holistic approach when working with people with dementia.

Quezada said out of the 287 people enrolled with TLC, over 60 of them have some kind of dementia diagnosis.

When someone enrolls in the program, a care team, which includes a social worker, dietician, physical and occupational therapists and others, creates an individual plan to address concerns and needs and help people reach their goals, whether that is going to church each week or finding ways to live more independently.

If some people can't make it out to the facility, the care team will go to them. Doctors and nurses do home visits, and Quezada said they think outside the box to find ways to help seniors remain independent and in control of their lives.

"Any type of need that is really important to them, it is addressed," he said.

That might mean adding a grab bar in the shower, doing repairs or adding a wheelchair ramp.

He said someone might have the goal of simply being able to stand up and change their own clothes, and the care team is there to help them find ways to do that safely, whether that is through exercises, equipment or techniques, they help them meet their goals.

Kenzig said they anticipate opening June 1 or July 1.

"We're super excited," she said.

She said Senior TLC sits where the former Life Enrichment Center once was, and they feel they are honoring and continuing that legacy.

They are currently working on marketing and educating the community about their services and getting referrals.

She said on a day-to-day basis, they are licensed for 119 at the center, but not everyone comes every day so they can provide care for up to 220 to 230 people.

For more information on Senior TLC, visit the website, seniortlc.org or call 704-874-0600.