The 30-plus people meeting Wednesday afternoon agree there is a need for adult day care in Hays.  One caregiver said she’s “hanging on by her fingernails.”

Mark Schulte of the Good Samaritan Society Home Health of Central Kansas and Dave VanDoren of the Hadley Development Corporation hosted two community meetings to gather public input.    Attendees at the first presentation included representatives from senior-focused aide programs, the healthcare community, the city of Hays, caregivers, and senior citizens themselves.

The Executive Director of Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging,  Michelle Morgan of Hays, told the group the Kansas Department on Agency finds an over-utilization of nursing facilities and a definite need for adult day care.

Schulte, who is also administrator of the Ellis Good Samaritan Nursing Home, says adult day care centers typically benefit seniors who need minimal assistance during the day when family members aren’t available to help.

The Task Force envisions a facility housed in the Hadley Center for 35-45 people which would offer minor health care assistance as well as socialization opportunities.

For more, watch Street Beat tonight on Eagle Community TV Channel 14.