By 2030, one in five Americans will be 65 or older, marking the first time such a large share of the population will reach retirement age, according to the U.S. Census. Circle Center Adult Day Services is among a growing number of organizations that advocate for and deliver equitable care to the older adult community – and has been doing so for nearly five decades.
Circle Center is a community-based adult day center dedicated to the well-being of older adults and their caregivers. Founded in 1976 by five churches – Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, First English Lutheran Church, Grace Covenant Presbyterian, St. James’ Episcopal and St. John’s United Church of Christ – in Richmond’s Fan District, the nonprofit was created to address the growing need for adult care within the community.
Currently led by CEO Heather Turbyne-Pollard, Circle Center serves about 60 older adults per day, offering a compassionate and safe environment where they can stay active, learn new things and have fun with their community. Among the participants, 88% have Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other cognitive impairments.
A holistic approach to care
According to AARP, about 80% of older adults want to age in place, opting to stay in their own homes rather than move to full-time retirement care. As the community calls for more convenient, comprehensive support, Circle Center continues to adapt to meet these evolving needs by providing a more affordable alternative to traditional long-term care. Since its start, the organization has continued to grow, increasing from just two staff members to over 30 today.
Circle Center operates through a multidisciplinary model that emphasizes dignity and respect. A full-time nurse, recreational therapist and social worker give essential support, including vital sign monitoring, program coordination and support group sessions. Participants also benefit from onsite rehab therapy, art, music and fitness classes, all designed to enhance physical, mental and social well-being.
“It’s a model we’ll always keep because it addresses every aspect of the participants’ needs, and it helps the family caregivers,” Turbyne-Pollard said. “The work [the employees] are doing is hard, but it’s their passion, and they’re actively excited to do it.”
Whether they’re leading group wellness activities, curating participant programming or providing one-on-one patient care, each employee fills a vital role in providing an enriching experience for each participant.
Strength in community support
Community always has been at the heart of Circle Center’s success.
Most program participants have caregivers who also are family members with their own finances and lives to take care of. To support these families, the organization is committed to bridging the gap between affordable and equitable care.
Because adult day services often are not fully covered by Medicare or Medicaid, Circle Center provides its services at an affordable rate of $105 per day. However, with an individual operating cost of about $125 per day, the nonprofit absorbs the difference to keep care accessible to its participants.
“We want to continue to stay affordable for families so that it’s a viable service because we know how important it is,” Turbyne-Pollard said.
Volunteers also serve as an integral part of the nonprofit’s success, offering one-on-one support to the older adults, leading group activities and assisting with the upkeep of the program.
“I’m basically spending time with friends,” longtime Circle Center volunteer Eric Norbom said. “Some of them have faced tremendous challenges and have overcome them, and I find it admirable and inspiring.”
Circle Center not only is a safe space for older adults, but the organization also is intentional about providing support for caregivers. The nonprofit offers support groups for families who need guidance, encouragement and support as they care for their loved ones.
Building tomorrow’s future
As Circle Center soon reaches its 50-year milestone, leadership considers what its future may hold.
Ellen Thornhill, senior director of development and marketing, hopes to see continued growth in the number of participants served by the nonprofit and to partner with other day-service providers to further expand the multidisciplinary care model.
Turbyne-Pollard wants to expand the nonprofit’s onsite services to complement its current offerings, including adding podiatry and dental care.
When it comes to the larger community, the organization hopes to see a shift in the language people use when discussing aging.
“Words are extremely important,” Turbyne-Pollard said. “As the demographics shift, you’re either going to need or be a caregiver soon, so please be mindful.”
Learn more about Circle Center and get involved here. It accepts donations year-round here.
