BARB BARRETT/The Luminary Liberty Manor is a new day care service for adults in need of a supervised setting. An open house was held on August 8 at 169 Ashler Manor Drive in Muncy. Standing (L-R) are: David Spring, CEO of Families United Network; Donielle Ashton, Activities Coordinator; and Demaree Koehler, RN. Sitting (L_R) are Eileen Spring, Program Assistant; Ann and Ken Lundy of Williamsport.

MUNCY – Taking care of loved ones can be stressful, but now there is help for caregivers here in Muncy Township. Located at 169 Ashler Drive, Liberty Manor has opened its doors to provide health and social services for older adults who need quality supervised care.

“We are here to assist families to successfully manage the responsibility of caring for their loved ones who are living at home in a day care setting,” said Demure Koehler who is the director and a certified RN.

The facility was licensed in June and an open house was held on August 8th to show the public what services are provided.

Danielle Ashton is the activities coordinator with a background in physical therapy and she assists anyone who wants to use the gym equipment for strengthening, therapy or any post surgery. There is both an exercise and a rehab program.

The facility is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and is fully staffed. Two meals and two snacks are served during the day. “We have a chef who provides the meals,” Koehler said. “This is a great place to come to for those who can’t be alone during the day.”

Liberty Manor which is part of Families United Network is licensed to care for up to 64 individuals including those with dementia or Alzheimers. “Often there is a cognitive memory deficit that affects their independence,” Koehler added.

Ashton pointed out the veterans wall board that was started and the late Earl Poust was the first to be added.

Chief Executive Officer, David Spring of Muncy, announced that there are many activities for the participants at the center during the day. There is a back patio for gardening and relaxing, and organized activities in the main area.

Everyone gets signed in when they first enter the facility. Spring emphasized the inter- generational aspect of Liberty Manor. “We have programming for young kids next door,” he said. “And they come over to spend time with the seniors here.”

Some of them will read to the children. Ricki Gross of Picture Rocks, a former teacher, said she really enjoys reading to the young children while she is staying at Liberty Manor. The children come over about once a week, usually on Fridays according to Spring. “Up to 30 come over in specific groups.”

“We are a bit unique from some of the other programs in operation,” said Kathie Sinibaldi, public relations director. “Our day care is in the same building, so we are able to get the children and adults together for activities. It is truly wonderful for both of them.”

Senior Citizens Day was celebrated on August 21st and Thursday, August 30th will be “Toasted Marshmallow Day.”

The two groups enjoy music and dancing together. They have made marshmallow snacks, bird feeders, and various crafts. There is a large living area, dining room and a snack bar. There are five bathrooms including a walk-in shower and a walk-in bathtub.

The East Lycoming YMCA visits two times a week to take the blood pressure for the caregivers and offer some nutrition tips. “Caregivers need help too,” said Megan Bowman, the heart health ambassador. “The caretaker has a stressful job to take care of somebody full time. This is a value that we add.” The YMCA has formed a working partnership with Families United Network to provide services to the caregivers and the clients.

Additional services include a podiatrist, vitality rehabilitation through Genesis, and Silver Sneakers.

Walk-ins are accepted, but there is an enrollment process first that includes a physical and a TB test.

Spring who oversees 200 employees with Families United Network said they started out with just foster care but have expanded to early education, residential living, and adult day services. “We have 8 offices,” Spring said.

Ken Lundy from Williamsport attended the open house and said, “This is something that’s really needed here. I have been looking for something like this for sometime for my wife. This fits my needs and gets Ann active instead of just watching TV.”

Funding is done through private pay, Medicaid, veterans benefits and long-term insurance is accepted.

For more information or to arrange a tour contact Liberty Manor at 570-445-3803.